Image: An artist's impression of Staffordshire History Centre
The Staffordshire History Centre will open its doors next month, revealing search rooms, strong rooms, and a new exhibition space
A new heritage centre in Staffordshire will open its doors next month, concluding an £8.7m project for its creation.
The Staffordshire History Centre will open on Wednesday 6 November, combining three collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the County Museum, and the William Salt Library.
The new History Centre will offer visitors the chance to access and research archives and artefacts that tell the story of Staffordshire’s past.
Plans for the centre were first approved in 2021 and construction began last year.
Construction begins on new multi-million Staffordshire History Centre
It is formed by an extension of the existing Staffordshire Record Office building, which will also incorporate the renovated and redisplayed William Salt Library building.
The project has been delivered by Staffordshire County Council and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with a grant of £4.8m.
Located on Eastgate Street in Stafford, the centre includes search rooms, strong rooms capable of holding a further 55 years of archives and collections, and an exhibition space for displays and exhibitions.
The new centre will also feature a remodelled research room designed for local historians, genealogists, and academics. The adjacent restored William Salt Library building, part of the new centre, showcases William Salt’s collection and the history of the library itself.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “We’re all incredibly excited about the project and delighted to be able to announce the opening date as 6 November.
“We’re extremely grateful for the funding from the Heritage Fund and 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.”
