Walsall Archives service achieves national accreditation
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Walsall Archives has been awarded accredited status as part of the UK Archive Service Accreditation scheme.
The announcement was made on 18 May 2026 by The National Archives, with Walsall Archives recognised alongside organisations including the Science Museum archives, the Working Class Movement Library in Salford and the Diageo Archive in Scotland.
Archive Service Accreditation is the UK standard for archive management and recognises services that demonstrate a long-term commitment to preserving and providing public access to archive collections.
Walsall Archives, based at the Lichfield Street Hub, holds collections dating back to the year 1200, including a 1627 charter granted by King Charles I. The service preserves and provides access to documents, photographs, maps and records that tell the story of Walsall’s history and communities.
To achieve accredited status, Walsall Archives underwent a detailed assessment process across three key areas: organisational health, collections management, and stakeholder experience.
This included demonstrating that the service is well-managed and sustainable, that collections are properly preserved and documented, and that the archives are accessible and engaging for residents, researchers and community groups.
“ Achieving accredited status is an important recognition of the work carried out by the Walsall Archives team to preserve and share the borough’s history.
“The accreditation reflects the high standards maintained by the service and its ongoing commitment to making Walsall’s heritage accessible to residents, researchers and future generations. “
The archives catalogue can be searched online through the National Archives and Black Country History websites, while local history books can also be accessed through Walsall Library Services’ online catalogue.
Walsall Archives is located at the Lichfield Street Hub and is open:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10am to 4pm
- Friday: 10am to 3pm
- First Saturday of each month: 10am to 4pm
For more information or to book an appointment, residents can contact localhistorycentre@walsall.gov.uk (opens in new tab).
ENDS
