Archives
In the belief that archives are the bedrock of historical studies, HAT promotes, encourages, helps to finance and generally supports the preservation, conservation and organisation of materials of all kinds – documents, photographs, recordings, film and video and digital files.
HAT is committed to supporting the preservation and celebration of valuable local archives through our grants system, events and other related activities.
Discover Local Archives
Hampshire has one of the richest collections of archives in the country. As well major collections – at Hampshire Record Office, Winchester, and the city archives of Southampton and Portsmouth – there are also important archives held at the Universities and a wide range of smaller collections, associated with local history and heritage groups, museums and historic sites, companies, genealogists and other individuals, and families with significant archives. Some of these collections are of national importance.
your archive
Many people have photographs, documents and materials that have personal historical value but many do not realise that these items also have a wider historical value. We strongly believe that understanding your past is key to shaping a better future and we encourage everyone to care for their own archives and to share those with us and others – whether that’s through depositing their archive in the appropriate local repository, creating an accessible archive for others or simply by sharing their stories telling us of their experience in creating an archive. This website features stories written by various authors using their own research in local archives and which we think are particularly interesting. If you have an archive-related story that you think would be of wider interest then please do tell us about it and if suitable we will add it to the stories we have published on this site.
Stories from the Archives
Exploring British Military History and Developing Skills: Legasee’s Collaboration with Wildern School
Legasee Educational Trust and Wildern School, Hedge End have recently been on a rewarding journey together, blending education, history, and personal development. Over the course
Series 3: Episode 4 – Researching Family History
In this episode, Daniella learns all about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) from Will Reid, the Public Engagement Coordinator for the South Region of England at the CWGC. During the episode, Will provides an overview of why the work of the CWGC is important, giving insight into why individuals are commemorated in Britain and what key sites in Hampshire are.
Series 3: Episode 3 – Commonwealth War Graves Commission
In this episode, Daniella learns all about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) from Will Reid, the Public Engagement Coordinator for the South Region of England at the CWGC. During the episode, Will provides an overview of why the work of the CWGC is important, giving insight into why individuals are commemorated in Britain and what key sites in Hampshire are.
HAT Visits Greywell Hill House
A full group of guests arrived at Greywell Hill House on the wonderful hot summer’s afternoon of Friday 19th July. The Vice President of Hampshire
Railway 200
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the railway revolution, the celebrations are being spearheaded by the rail industry and heritage railways across the country. To mark
Series 3: Episode 2 – Women’s History During the 20th Century
This episode focuses on researching suffragettes and women’s history in archives and, to explore this, Daniella is joined by Dr Mari Takayanagi, Senior Archivist at the Parliamentary Archives. Mari discusses the stories of women in her recent book Necessary Women, co-written with Dr Elizabeth Hallam Smith, and the major changes that women experienced during the twentieth century.