www.wakefield.gov.uk: Looking at local history

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Tuesday, May 22 2012

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You are here: www.wakefield.gov.uk > Culture and Leisure > Local history and heritage > Investigating the past - what to look for, where and how > Looking at local history

Looking at local history

The best places to start Local History research are:-

Local Studies Libraries where common sources such as local history books, trade directories, census returns, local newspapers and photographs (including aerial photographs) are all available
Museums where resource centres contain general subject files on many local history topics. Exhibitions, photographs, objects and historic printed material may also relate to specific areas of research
Once the general background has been covered, a visit to the Archives and the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) will provide further details which will build up the picture of the area you are studying

	Businesses How to find out about historic businesses.

	Communities How to find out more about the early development of your town or village.

	Historic Maps of the District See how places used to be with our collection of historic maps

	Institutions How to find out about hospitals, schools, prisons and other institutions.

	Local Government Exploring the history of the council and local government.

	Wakefield Civic Society The Society was formed in 1964 and includes individuals and organisations who care about Wakefield, its buildings, its heritage and its environment. The Society has been lobbying the council and developers to retain the best of our architectural heritage while trying to encourage high standards of town planning and building design in Wakefield whenever new buildings are being considered.