Are you looking for some support or advice with your local history research?

The Radstock Museum archives have around 20,000 digital images of old photos and documents which may shed some light on your local history or family research, whether it's for personal or academic interest.

They also have a full digital catalogue of the Five Arches Journal which may have an article on your area of research and there are back copies for sale.

The Museum staff do want to warn you that they are not a county archive, but it's surprising what they do have.

And they have some volunteers who are very knowledgeable in certain areas and extremely helpful.

If you want to check what might be available this is how:

1) Either email [email protected] or complete a form at the museum – please ask at reception. Give them as much detail as possible especially full names and dates.

2) You will be contacted once a free initial search has been done by them to say if anything useful has been found – please be patient for a response! If they can't find anything that matches your request they may be able to give advice and make suggestions instead.

3) If there is anything of interest in the archives you may wish to make an appointment for a research visit at the museum or correspond through email if this is not possible.

Please note that they do not do the research for you but help add to your interest and knowledge and try to answer your questions. There is a charge of £7 or free for Museum Society members plus a small payment for photocopying and shop purchases.

The Museum add: " As you know research is a long process and can be frustrating but also very rewarding so we are happy to help if we can. Please get in touch even if you are at the early stages of research. " Anny Northcote

Lead Research Volunteer