Explore Your Archive is an Archives and Records Association campaign to encourage everyone to visit, use, celebrate and be inspired by archives in the UK & Ireland.

WHAT IS AN ARCHIVE?

What is an archive and what do archivists do?

Understanding the role of archives

A place where knowledge is stored and safeguarded for the use and benefit of all.

DISCOVER our blog

Stories unveiled from UK & Ireland archives

Stories from the British North Greenland Expedition (1952-1954).

In celebration of British Science Week and this year’s theme ‘connections’, Explore Your Archive reached out to Newcastle University Special Collections and […]

A mouse nest, skeleton and boots prints

Dustbusting with Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.

Welcome to Teesside Archives

Teesside archives has moved on since its set up in 1974 at the Middlesbrough’s reference library via the Exchange House for 40 years.

Having a laugh with Swansea University Archives

The archives at Swansea University are full of exquisitely funny records.

LEARN

Educational and professional resources.

Learning about archives or working with archive documents. We have a wide range of resources to download, helping you in your project.

Resources for teachers and students

Resources for professionals

find out more

CELEBRATE with us:

We promote archives and their collections across Social media, Podcast, Digital exhibition. Join us.

Our social media campaigns

Explore Your Archive Day

10th of every month.

#ExploreYourArchive

Dedicated day for organisations to showcase their collections.

Dust Buster

Use anytime

#EYADustBusters

Dispel the myths that archives are dusty and forgotten places.

Monthly Themes

New Month, New Theme

#EYA+’theme’

Have fun every month promoting your collections!

Focus Week

Daily themes.

#EYA+’theme’

Next Focus Week:
27th Nov- 5th Dec 2023

join our current campaigns

Outside the Box: Podcast

Explore a wide variety of archives and the wonders they contain. Hear the people who work in them and with them.

700 YEARS OF HISTORY RESTORED

PLAY

TYNESIDE VOICES TO BE HEARD

PLAY

19TH CENTURY STREAMING

PLAY

DISABILITY ARTS MOVEMENT

PLAY
all podcast episodes

Spotlight: Online Exhibition Space

Open to all archives, records managers, and conservators to promote and focus in depth on any aspect of your work or collection.

Currently Under the Spotlight

Warwickshire County Record Office

click to feature on Spotlight

CREATE

Are you organising an event? Download our free branding material to promote your campaign.