Lancashire Archives in Preston is putting on regular activities throughout 2020, to help local people discover their inner historian.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Lancashire Archives, which is based in Bow Lane.

Most of the activities are free, and the first event of the year will be a Chinese New Year celebration. It will include drop-in workshops on Chinese calligraphy, an exhibition of a letter from Elizabeth I to the Emperor of China, and talks. The event will take place on Wednesday 29 January from 3pm to 5.30pm. 

An event to celebrate the 80th anniversary will take place on Sunday 1 March from 11am to 3pm. The Preston Family History Society will hold surgeries, and other local and family history organisations will be on hand to offer help and advice. Some of the objects from the family and estate collections will be on display, and there will be a behind the scenes tour.

Family History Fridays will be taking place once a month throughout the year from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. These sessions are free to attend and there is no need to book. 

In addition to the regular events that will take place, there are thousands of items available at the archives for people to use for activities including tracing their family history, or researching where they live. 

There’s a huge range of interesting objects and records, including documents, images, maps, films and books for people to explore, for free.

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County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “We are very proud of our Lancashire Archives. 

“Taking part in the majority of the events will be free, to make it as easy and accessible for as many people as possible to come along. 

“The events that we hold are an opportunity for visitors to discover the stories, the places and the people that have helped to shape our communities and develop our sense of place and identity. 

“There’s a wealth and variety of material in the Archives, including nine miles of shelves filled with documentation such as parish registers and wills which are excellent resources for people to use. 

“Anyone is welcome to come along and discover their inner historian. However old you are, and whether a history enthusiast or beginner, there will be something for everyone.” 

The office is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9.30am to 5pm. It’s also open on the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 4pm, and the second Tuesday of each month until 7pm. 

To find out more about the events, visit Eventbrite.

For more information about Lancashire Archives visit the Lancashire County Council website, phone 01772 533039, or email record.office@lancashire.gov.uk.

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Have you used Lancashire Archives before? Do you fancy trying it in future? Let us know in the comments.