The Data Protection Act 1998 protects the personal data of living individuals. By law, the History Centre has to monitor or restrict access to certain types of records which may contain personal information.
Some documents may contain personal details about living individuals that may cause substantial damage and/or distress. Therefore research into the life of someone who lived and died within the last 100 years may include records that are on restricted access. In some circumstances you may have to provide a copy of a death certificate to prove that the person has died before we can release information.
If you believe your research may be affected by the Act it is advisable to discuss your enquiry with us before you visit. We understand that restrictions to accessing records can be frustrating, but we are here to help so please do not hesitate to contact Dorset History Centre to discuss your enquiry.