Chance to see behind the scenes at County Record Office

West Sussex residents are being offered a chance to see behind the scenes at the County Record Office next month.
County newsCounty news
County news

The archive, in Chichester, is opening its doors on Saturday 28 September 2013 to showcase its ancient records – some of which date back 1,200 years.

The open day, which will run from 10am to 4pm, will include tours of the strongrooms where millions of documents are stored on more than 25 miles of shelving.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Visitors can also watch rare cinefilm footage taken of West Sussex during the last 100 years.

The recordings are part of a collection owned by Screen Archive South East, which stores more than 10,000 old films at the Record Office.

Staff will also be tutoring people on the popular family history websites Ancestry.com and Find My Past - both of which are free to use for visitors.

Lionel Barnard, County Council Cabinet Member responsible for the Record Office, said: “This is a great chance for anyone interested in family or local history to see what happens behind the scenes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Record Office stores millions of historical documents in its archives and this is a terrific opportunity to see these treasures up close.”

The open day is free to attend but spaces for some of the group sessions are limited and should be booked on arrival.

To find out more phone the Record Office on: 01243 753 602, or visit: Orchard Street, Chichester, PO19 1DD.

Alternatively, please go to the Record Office and archives page on the County Council’s website.