Libraries
Bring Your Past to Life During October’s Family History Month
Published on
Walsall Council invites residents to dive into their genealogy and family roots with the services available right on their doorstep.
Walsall Archives, located at the Lichfield Street Hub, is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Walsall and the surrounding area. It houses a vast collection of documents, photographs, maps, and other historical materials.
Over the years, many interesting requests have been processed by the service. One notable example saw the team uncover information and records that painted a picture of the town during the Civil War, Restoration, and the ‘Glorious Revolution’.
The service has also handled requests from relatives of past Mayors of the borough to view correspondence files held from their time in post.
“ It is wonderful that archive and library users are able to unlock the secrets of the past. Not all councils have services like this, so I’m really pleased that we are able to offer these services to the people of our borough.
Family history research is a fascinating journey for anyone interested. I am always delighted to uncover more about my own family, particularly given our strong connections to the Pat Collins Funfair, which dates back to 1880. It was incredible to find out that my father had been part of the Pat Collins family. He was a showman of some distinction being the Mayor and for several years a member of parliament. With out the library l doubt we would have known.
These services truly enrich our understanding of our heritage and enhance our appreciation of the rich history of our borough. “
The Archives team is dedicated to helping visitors explore their vast collections and discover the stories they hold. Visitors who wish to access the archives are advised to book an appointment before they visit so that staff can ensure correct material is available to view. To book an appointment, please email: localhistorycentre@walsall.gov.uk
In addition to the resources available at Walsall Archives, computers across all Walsall Libraries are equipped with Ancestry and Find My Past programs, making it easier than ever for residents to begin their family history research.
The Council’s Find My Past software features the 1921 Census of England and Wales. These records can reveal a detailed snapshot of people’s lives at that time, including where they lived, who they lived with, their age, marital status, place of birth, employment details, and much more.
Seasoned researchers may have private subscriptions, but in these challenging financial times, many residents will no doubt welcome the opportunity to explore the records for free with their Walsall Library memberships.
Notes:
- Walsall Archives is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Walsall and the surrounding area. It houses a vast collection of documents, photographs, maps, and other historical materials. The Archives team is dedicated to helping visitors explore these collections and discover the stories they hold.
- Visitors who wish to access the archives are advised to book an appointment before they visit as space is limited and staff want to ensure that the correct material is available to view. To book an appointment email: localhistorycentre@walsall.gov.uk
- Walsall’s seven libraries are: Aldridge Community Library, Bloxwich Community Library, Brownhills Community Library, Darlaston Community Library, Lichfield Street Hub, Streetly Community Library and Willenhall Community Library. In addition to this, Walsall Council also offers a Mobile and Home Library Service.
- Walsall Library members can access over 8,000 bestselling eAudiobooks and eBooks and a wide range of national magazines or daily or Sunday papers free of charge through the BorrowBox and PressReader apps.
Those with Walsall Library memberships also have access to a number of free digital services. These include Ancestry Library Edition and Find My Past, Access to Research, the Go Citizen study resource, sample driving exams on Theory Test Pro, and Which? Extra, detailing the latest reports for consumers.
