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Preparing for your visit

A few hints and tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Hull History Centre:

Before your visit

  • Wherever possible, do as much research prior to your visit and try to identify what information you want to find out.
  • If you are doing your family tree bring your notes with you. We have volunteers who run the Family History Help Desk on the first and third Thursday of the month.
  • Check our online catalogue - although not every item in the collections is described it does provide information about more than 310,000 documents and should help to identify relevant collections and resources.
  • Some material is available on microfilm - check our microfilm collections. To consult these records we recommend that you phone us (01482 317500) prior to your visit to reserve one of our microfilm readers.
  • If you have found original documents on our online catalogue that you would like to consult contact us (tel 01482 317500 or e-mail hullhistorycentre@hcandl.co.uk) prior to your visit with the reference number and description for up to 6 items and we will get the items out for you - please give us at least two days notice before your intended visit.
  • If you are visiting from outside of Hull, there is a list of nearby hotels that may be useful.
  • The History Centre will open at 10am and not 9.30am on the third Tuesday every month to allow for staff training.
  • Smoking or the use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted at the History Centre.

When you arrive

  • The History Centre has a suite of 12 PCs with free internet access, and MS office software. To use the ICT facilities you will need a Hull Library ticket - please bring some proof of address if you would like to register for a Library ticket.
  • If you intend to use the searchroom you will be asked to use pencils only and turn your phone onto silent.
  • The searchroom is deliberately cooler than other public areas to protect the archives, so you may want to keep a jumper or cardigan with you. We will ask you to leave coats and bags in the free lockers that are provided.
  • We offer a reprographic service to provide photocopies or digital copies of documents. If you would like to order copies, please speak to a member of staff.
  • You are welcome to use your own digital camera to photograph documents. Our standard charges apply.

If you are unable to visit us in person we offer a paid research service.