National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £5million
Led by Staffordshire County Council, the new centre combines three important collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the County Museum and the William Salt Library.
Staffordshire History Centre offers visitors the chance to access and research fascinating archives and artefacts that tell the story of Staffordshire’s past.
The centre includes a four-storey extension with modern search rooms, strong rooms capable of holding a further 55 years of archives and collections, and a bright exhibition space for displays and exhibitions.
It also features a remodelled research room, perfect for local historians, genealogists and academics to delve deep into the county's history.
The William Salt Library building, which has also been restored, houses William Salt’s collection of material about Staffordshire and tells the history of the library itself, which has been at the heart of the local community for decades.
The new education and learning space will host a range of school programmes, workshops and events designed for all ages.
A programme of activities and touring exhibitions will also take history out into local communities across the county.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: “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 county.”
