Archive and Library

Archive and Library

What is it? 

Archives and Libraries are generally physical locations in which there are expansive collections of certain objects, most commonly books and historical records. There can be more specific types of archives and libraries with more specialist content, but the most largest and most popular types encompass a wide selection of topics.

What does it involve?

Visiting an archive or a library generally comes from a desire to further research a specific subject, but it can also be to use the resources available, such as computers, scanners or a newspaper microfiche machine.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Libraries are incredibly important places for learning, as they can provide a safe space for studying and the freedom for the students to educate themselves in pretty much whatever topic they have interest in. A lot of libraries and archives also put on activities and groups to encourage independent reading and learning.

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn’t need to provide any equipment for a visit to a library or an archive! The venue should have everything you need, but if you have a specific study activity in mind you should always check beforehand to see what they are set up for.

Who is it suitable for?

Archives and libraries are generally reasonably quiet places, so noisier groups of young children may not be as welcome – however, it will depend on the venue, as some will have dedicated children’s corners!

Costs?

Libraries are generally free to access! Some more specialist archives may have an entry fee, but if you research beforehand you shouldn’t come across any surprise costs.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Make sure to tailor any trips to an archive or a library to the needs and interests of the group of students!

How do we include?

Most venues will have great disabled access! Everybody should be able to join in with a visit, but always check beforehand if you have concerns about your group of students.

Doing it abroad?

There are libraries and archives all around the world, and visiting one whilst abroad can be fantastic for getting some more detailed information on local history and culture!

Main website: 

Consult individual venue websites to see their specifics.

Venues with this Activity

Discover the craftsmanship and heritage behind Bombay Sapphire at our distillery in the heart of England. Laverstoke Mill in beautiful, rural Hampshire is the setting where you are invited to go behind the scenes as we make our gin in our state-of-the-art distillery.

In the Old Grammar School you find an historic building, a range of collections and a local history archive. Each one of these would be worth visiting on its own, but to experience the three is exceptional. The collections are displayed over 8 galleries and cover mainly the social history of Kingsbridge and the surrounding area.

A great little local museum with plenty to discover such as a panoramic view of Victorian Louth, the story of the Ghost of the Green Lady, rock and fossils, plus 200,000 years of local archaeology!

Louth Museum will take you on an amazing journey of discovery, with several galleries, plus a courtyard to explore.

Torrington 1646 is an all weather educational facility for schools that makes history fun! Travel back to the 17th Century with our costumed characters and experience life in Torrington during the English Civil War. See how people lived, loved, laughed and lied their way through the English Civil War.

The Museum of English Rural Life houses the most comprehensive national collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and the countryside.

The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum offers fun and inspiring primary visits and outreach sessions covering literacy, history and more. Meet Kitty and Lucy the family servants, find out how books are made with Michael Johnson, handle original objects, dress up as a Georgian, join Hodge's Alphabet Hunt and make your own Dictionary!

The 17th-century Queen’s House represents a turning point in English architecture. It was originally the home of Charles I's queen, Henrietta Maria. It now showcases the Museum's outstanding fine art collection and provides a unique and beautiful environment for its exhibitions.

Schools at Royal Museums Greenwich

Totnes Museum is contained within an authentic Elizabethan Merchant's House, built around 1575 for the Kelland family. The house retains many features dating back to the Elizabethan period and has been painstakingly restored. 

Collections, dating from 5000BC, relate to the social, cultural, economic history of Totnes, include a room dedicated to the life and work of Charles Babbage.

Bursting with history, art from all ages and a first hand glimpse into life on a working farmyard, plus so much more. A school trip to Chatsworth makes for a rewarding day of learning for pupils and teachers alike.

There's so much to see and do

A must for kids studying local history, a visit will let you help out with their schoolwork and spend some quality time together. Special quizzes and hands-on trails take them through Bunyan's amazing life at their own pace.

The Great North Museum: Hancock will take you on an exciting journey through the story of our planet and its people. The new Museum is bursting with displays, interactives and a planetarium.

The Checkpoint Charlie Museum is named after the famous crossing point on the Berlin Wall between east and west. It was created to document the so-called "best border security system in the world". 

Two sites - one amazing day!

Explore the remains and uncovering of an ancient Roman fort. Then visit the Roman Army Museum.

Before, during and after Hadrian's Wall

The National Media Museum is home to over 3.5 million items of historical and cultural significance, and our diverse Collection encompasses some of the finest and most compelling visual material to be found anywhere in the world.

You and your class can explore art and architecture both on-site and in the classroom

The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly in London. It has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects; its purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

Today’s railway represents 200 years of engineering inspiration, innovation and determination; the work that Network Rail does today is the next chapter in this astounding story. 

The Online Archive

Larne Museum and Arts Centre is situated in the heart of Larne and is the operational centre for all Larne Borough Council Arts, Heritage and Civic events.

So much more than just tanks!

The tank was a British invention that changed warfare for ever when it was introduced in the First World War and Bovington has been the home of the tank ever since.

At The Tank Museum we bring the history of tanks and tank crew to life… Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action packed live displays.

Brings together an award winning archaeology museum and one of the region's premier art galleries, the Usher Gallery, in the heart of historic Lincoln. Play at The Collection is an exciting free activity centre for younger visitors which encourages learning through play!

Our collections have outstanding collections in the fields of archives, art, science and technology, ethnography, archaeology, military and social history, maritime history and natural sciences. Our art, natural science, archives and science and industry collections have been awarded Designated status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in recognition of their national importance.

The technology behind communication has changed the world. Mobiles, fibre optics, the World Wide Web, radio and television would not have been possible without the development of the telegraph and early wireless technology.

Discover Basingstoke and Deane's rich archaeological heritage including the unusual Iron Age burial found at Viables, the Roman burial from Winklebury and reconstructions of nationally important Saxon buildings at Cowderys Down.

A charming town museum

Diss Museum is housed in the historic Shambles building on Diss Market place. A small but perfectly-formed museum, it hosts changing exhibitions about Diss and nearby villages, packed with local interest. 

Yorkshire's Finest House & Gardens

Castle Howard is Yorkshire's finest stately home and garden near York. Grand interiors, gardens and an adventure playground make for a great family day out.

Rockbourne is near Fordingbridge in a picturesque and peaceful part of Hampshire close to the New Forest. The Roman villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and is the largest known villa in the area. Its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the 5th century AD. The villa includes bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops.

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