New history centre to open in November

The new history centre will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00

A new £8.7m research and archive facility is due to open next month, council bosses have announced.

Staffordshire History Centre, on Eastgate Street in Stafford, will open on 6 November.

The local authority said the centre would be open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00.

It would include modern search rooms, strong rooms for archives and collections as well as a bright space for displays and exhibitions, the council added.

The new centre was part-funded by a grant of £4.8m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“We’re all incredibly excited about the project and delighted to be able to announce the opening date as 6 November,” said Victoria Wilson, cabinet member for communities and culture at Staffordshire County Council.

“We can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike to research and learn more about the rich history and culture that has shaped our great county.”

Staffordshire History Centre will combine three collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, Staffordshire County Museum and the William Salt Library.

Visitors will be able to access archives and artefacts from the county’s past – while a new education and learning space will host schools, workshops and events.

A programme of activities and touring exhibitions will also take history into local communities across the county.