20th anniversary for Shropshire Archives

This month Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Archives is celebrating 20 years at Castle Gates in Shrewsbury.

The building, then known as the Shropshire Records and Research Centre, was opened by Councillor George Raxster on 24 July 1995. Since then the service has helped many thousands of researchers, and ensured the preservation of Shropshire’s fantastic collection of archives, maps, books and photographs which fill nine kilometres (five and a half miles) of shelving.

Before 1995, the service was based at Shrewsbury Library and Shirehall in less than perfect conditions. The new purpose-built building was funded by Shropshire County Council. In the 20 years since then, Shropshire Archives has also developed online access to information through an online catalogue and images of many thousands of documents.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member responsible for visitor economy, said:

“It is great to celebrate 20 years of progress. Bringing the collections together has transformed access to a thousand years of Shropshire records for Salopians, and for people all over the world who have a connection with the county.”

Mary McKenzie, Shropshire Archives’ team leader, said:

“I can remember the huge difference the move to the new building meant for both staff and customers of the service. We suddenly had a great space for research and for the storage of the collections, as well as computers which are now an absolute key tool for our work.”

A tea party to celebrate the anniversary will be held at on Friday 24 July 2015 at 3pm at Shropshire Archives.

For further information ring 0345 678 9096, email archives@shropshire.gov.uk, or visit the website www.shropshirearchives.org.uk.