Thousands of Historic Records Find New Home in Aberdeen
The city’s archives reopen to researchers following a year-long move and major reshuffle.
After almost a year behind the scenes, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives has reopened for public research visits at the Town House on Broad Street. The move marks the completion of a major transition from Old Aberdeen House, allowing public access to thousands of historical documents, photographs and civic records in a new central space.
The relocation began in late 2023 with a full stocktake of the collection. A team of staff and 20 volunteers recorded and prepared over 9,000 individual items, including archive boxes, crates, ledgers, and architectural plans. Among the more delicate items were glass slides from wartime Red Cross hospitals and oversized maps, all wrapped and protected for safe transfer.
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Volunteer-Led Work Brings Hidden History to Light
Volunteers contributed over 1,500 hours to the move, one of the largest tasks being the appraisal of 120 bundles of Aberdeen School Board correspondence from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These letters, written by teachers and local residents, were reviewed and catalogued, reducing seven shelves of material to two while preserving their historical value. The work ensures these records are now easier to access and explore.
Inside the new Town House storeroom, researchers will find key collections such as school admission registers, building warrants, council minutes, and the Port of Aberdeen records. A selection of photographs from the harbour archives, illustrating over a century of technological change on the quayside, will be displayed at Aberdeen Art Gallery from Saturday 7 June.
A Resource for the Region’s Past and Future
“The Archives are a valuable resource for all kinds of research,” said Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council. “It is very exciting that the Archives team has set up a new storeroom at the Town House where the public can access these remarkable collections, which really are the gateway to the written history of the north-east of Scotland.”
An updated Access Guide and Visual Guide are now available at aagm.co.uk, providing visitors with practical information on how to book and what to expect.
Upcoming Lunchtime Talk at Aberdeen Art Gallery
For those interested in learning more about the Port of Aberdeen archives, team leader Phil Astley will be giving a free lunchtime talk titled A Haven for History on Wednesday 7 May at 12.45pm, held at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Research visits to the Archives are free but must be booked in advance.
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