Our Archive Centres in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal and Whitehaven look after the documentary heritage of Cumbria from the middle ages to the present day. We can provide support to schools through free tailor-made learning sessions, and established workshops.

Using original documents develops children's investigative and deductive skills, encouraging them to find out information themselves.  The children also practice literacy skills such as scanning, comprehension and learning new vocabulary. We also deliver sessions and resources for higher and further education.

How we can help

  • Providing school and college visits
  • Advice on sources and topics 
  • Copies of original documents and archive displays for use in school
  • Hosting in service training (INSET) sessions
School and Student Visits

In order to accommodate your visit, please contact us with your requirements as far in advance as possible.  Visits to the Archive Centres will give you the chance to work with original records relating to your topic area, and our staff will be available to help explain and interpret the records. We can normally accommodate around 30 pupils at a time (depending on the facilities available at the Archive Centre in question).  School visits are free of charge.