Use our collections to explore Staffordshire’s history
We look after documents, objects and photographs that tell the story of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. These help people learn about the past and find out more about their families, communities, and local places.
Our collections are very special. They cover over 1,000 years of history and help people learn about:
- Family history – like birth, marriage and death records
- Local history – about towns, villages and communities
- Jobs and work – farming, factories, mining and transport
- Everyday life – schools, health, homes, crime and religion
- Big events – like the Spanish Armada and the American War of Independence
What we have
- Archive collections
We have over 6,500 collections of documents. These go back more than 1,000 years! They include letters, maps, diaries, and more. You can use them to learn about local history, family history, and how life has changed over time.
- Museum collection
Our museum holds over 30,000 everyday objects, 50,000 photographs, and 1,800 pieces of art. These show what life was like in Staffordshire over the last 250 years.
- William Salt Library collection
This library was started by William Salt, a banker from London, in the 1800s. It has books, drawings, watercolours, and documents about Staffordshire. We still add new items today. It’s a great place to learn about local history.
Search our collections
Find out more about our collection catalogue on our website.
This includes records from:
- Staffordshire Record Office
- William Salt Library
- Staffordshire County Museum
Explore more of Staffordshire’s history online
Further resources