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... a thousand years, a million stories
Dorset History Centre is the archives service and local studies library for Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole. We house Dorset's local archives - from council records to personal collections.
From Tuesday 2 September to Friday 27 September 2019 there will be restricted access to original archives in the searchroom. Please order documents in advance from the Dorset History Centre catalogue as this way, we can guarantee access. The centre will be open as usual on Saturday 7 and 21 September. Find out more information on the improvement works and how they will affect access to the centre.
See our opening times, how to get to us and what to expect when you visit.
Descriptions of records we hold on the history of people and places in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.
Information about our enquiry, research and copying services plus tips for your research.
We care for and provide access to thousands of archive collections.
Our conservation and preservation activities ensure the longevity of the collections.
Deposit records, volunteer with us or find support for your project.
Resource packs and information on the records we hold related to curriculum topics.
Hire our well equipped, ground floor lecture room for your meeting or event.
We are dedicated to preserving, sharing and celebrating the rich heritage of Dorset.
If you're in #Dorchester for @heritageopenday today, be sure to pop into the Corn Exchange - our work experience st… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Dorset History Centre is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 4:30pm on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Email: archives@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Full contact details for Dorset History Centre
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