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.
During the summer of 2024 HAT conducted a survey of Hampshire archives holding groups (excluding the record offices in Hampshire) to find out more about access to material held by these groups, discover how much is electronically catalogued, what percentarge is available on line, and just see how much is held. The webinar (17 Oct 2024) shown below presents the data gathered.
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
Series 3: Episode 6 – D-Day Story Museum
This episode focuses on the D-Day Story Museum in Portsmouth, during which Daniella was joined by curator Andrew Whitmarsh. In the episode, Andrew discusses D-Day and how the museum commemorates this event from the Second World War. The episode focuses on the collections of the museum and the local history element of the museum, showing the role of Hampshire in D-Day.
Bringing Hampshire’s Military History to Life: Our Work at Legasee Educational Trust
At Legasee Educational Trust, our mission is simple yet profound: to preserve and share the personal stories of veterans who have served their country. By
Series 3: Episode 5 – Performance and celebrating diverse histories in Southampton
For this episode Daniella was joined by Khatra Roles and Toki Ogunkolati, both performers who are part of the Sarah Siddons Fan Club performance group. Khatra and Toki discuss with Daniella about how they became involved in performing in Southampton and various stories they performed over time, highlighting diverse histories in Southampton and Hampshire. The importance of representation and sharing the narratives of people of colour is a key part of this episode, and brings their voices to the fore.
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.