Collecting policy
We collect records of all sorts relating to the County of Cambridgeshire, which are or will become of significance for learning about and understanding the county, its people and their history. We do not generally collect:
- artefacts, works of art or other objects unless there is a special relationship between the artefact and associated archives and good reasons for keeping them together.
- material falling outside the service’s geographical collecting area.
- archives relating primarily to the University of Cambridge or its constituent colleges.
For further details, please see the full policy below:
If you are in any doubt, contact our Collections Archivist at Cambridgeshire Archives who will be happy to advise.
Types of acquisition
Donation
Records can be given or bequeathed to Cambridgeshire Archive Service with ownership being transferred to Cambridgeshire County Council. Gifts or bequests are the surest means of ensuring that your records are permanently preserved for study and enjoyment by future generations.
Deposit
Records can also be deposited on indefinite loan in which case the depositor retains ownership of the records. Depositors retain the right to temporarily withdraw items for legal purposes, reference, or exhibition
For more detailed information, please read our Terms of Acquisition.
Arranging for deposit or donation
Please contact the relevant archives team before bringing records into the archives. We can then confirm if the material falls within our collecting policy. If so we can send you an interim receipt form and arrange a mutually convenient date for deposit. If necessary, we can arrange for an archivist to visit and assess the records before moving them.
Guidance for Parish Councils
Cambridgeshire Archives are often asked by parish clerks about the types of records they should be keeping for deposit as archives. This set of guidance notes should help to identify records for permanent preservation and determine how long different types of records should be retained for business purposes by the parish council.
We welcome donations towards the costs of packaging from depositors.
The Archives Service is always happy to discuss and advise on issues relating to the deposit, storage or disposal of your records. If you require further information, please contact us.
Records at risk
Cambridgeshire Archives offers professional advice and assistance to ensure that the written history of Cambridgeshire can be preserved by offering services including surveys, document amelioration work, bespoke conservation and site visits.
If you know of any documents at risk of loss or destruction please don't hesitate to contact us.
