Norfolk Record Office re-opens

Norfolk Record Office at the Archive Centre will re-open on today (15 September), with measures in place to keep staff and customers safe.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships said:

"We are thrilled to welcome the public back to Norfolk Record Office. The Archive Centre is a wonderful community resource which anyone can use - whether you’re delving into your family history, exploring our county’s rich heritage or undertaking academic research.

"Whilst we are excited to be opening our doors once again, we hope our customers will understand that we have had to make some changes to the service to ensure they can use the facility safely. However, we will be reviewing the new system regularly and looking at ways to expand the service on offer as soon as it is safe to do so."

Councillor Michael Chenery of Horsburgh, Norfolk County Councillor and Chairman of Norfolk Records Committee said:

"With more time at home during lockdown, many of us have sought a new hobby or project to improve our wellbeing and keep us motivated. Exploring family history is a popular choice – we know this through the increased interest in the nationwide History Begins at Home initiative, led by our own archive service. As the Record Office re-opens, we look forward to welcoming new visitors who may be discovering this marvellous resource for the first time and all our regular customers too."

The following changes have been made to protect customers and staff

All research sessions must now be booked in advance. Tel. 01603 222599 to book your place

There are two sessions a day: 10am-12.30pm and 2-4.30pm for a limited number of people

At first, people will be limited to one session per day.

All documents must be ordered in at least 48 hours in advance

We are unable to offer access to the library or microfilm facility, reference books and paper catalogues

Customers should arrive during the first half hour of their booking and wait outside the building until a member of staff comes to take them to the search room

Customers must use the hand sanitiser supplied at the entrance to the search room but make sure their hands are completely dry before handling any documents

Each person will have an allocated table where their pre-booked documents and any equipment they need will be waiting

Staff are not able to assist at the tables

Customers must not enter areas that are cordoned off

The Centre will be closed between 12.30 and 2pm