Borough collections

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St Helens Archive Service holds records relating to local services, businesses and industry, transport, education, war, events, clubs and societies, religions, property, plans, photographs, family history and local history. The online catalogue can be used to find out the reference numbers of items that you are interested in; to search the records that we hold in the borough archives, please visit the online catalogue. If you need additional help accessing the catalogue, please contact us.

Local studies facilities

Maps, microfilm records and local studies reference materials are also available at Eccleston and Newton-le-Willows libraries. To find out more, please contact Eccleston Library (01744 677575) or Newton-le-Willows Library (01744 677885) directly. Free access to Findmypast (including free access to the 1921 census) is available to St Helens Library Service members at any St Helens library by PC or WiFi access.

Newspaper collections

Our collection of local newspapers runs from 1880 to the present. Most newspapers can be accessed on microfilm at Eccleston or Newton-le-Willows libraries as well as bound newspapers and cuttings available to view at St Helens Archive Service. Free access to the British Newspaper Archive is available to St Helens Library Service members at any St Helens library by PC or WiFi access and creating your own account. See our Newspaper Guide below for more information.

St Helens Community Archive

St Helens Community Archive is our online interactive resource containing over 4,000 photographs, video and audio files contributed by the Archive Service as well as by residents from across the borough. 

Deposit records

We are happy to accept deposits of unique, historic records that reflect the borough of St Helens, it people and places - past and present into the borough archive collections.  The documents we hold come from organisations and individuals and are stored in conditions suitable for their permanent preservation. Documents may also be cleaned, repackaged, or repaired to ensure their longevity.  If you have documents you feel might be of interest, please contact us for further information and a tour of our facilities.