Local history studies at the Museum of Farnham

You can usually use the Museum of Farnham Local Studies Library any time that the Museum is open. (Tuesday- Saturday 10am-5pm).

However, the Library will close to the public from 10am to midday every Friday.  We sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. 

Staff are happy to help where they can with research - whether you are looking into family history, researching your house or anything remotely connected with Farnham!

What will you find in the library?

• A-Z files: The files are arranged alphabetically and are a good starting point for basic research. They generally contain press cuttings, magazine articles, pamphlets and images.
• Street directories for Farnham and surrounding Area: These are a valuable source of information both on individuals and property.
• Electoral Roll: Copies are held from 1949-1992.
• Library books: our selection of  history books and pamphlets cover Surrey and Hampshire. There is also a selection of children's books available which are suitable for homework. Please note: books cannot be borrowed from the library
• Maps of Farnham and the surrounding area: the library owns large scale Ordnance Survey 25" to the mile maps of the area dating from the earliest edition of 1872 up to 1934. There is also a selection of other maps including geological surveys and the 1840 tithe map. This is useful when looking at specific buildings in Farnham or the surrounding area.
• The Tithe Maps of 1839-40: This is the first large scale study map of the area.
• Microfilms/microfiche: Separate readers are available for both microfilms and microfiches. The Museum has Census Returns for 1841-1891 on microfilms, and St. Andrew's Parish Registers from 1539 to c.1870. The West Surrey History Society microfiche transcript of the Farnham Parish Church Burials and Baptisms 1539-1840 is also held, plus a typed copy of the marriages from 1539-1837.
• Newspapers: The Farnham Herald is available on microfilm from 1898-1930. The Museum holds copies from then on in large volumes. If you wish to look at these you will need to let the staff know in advance, as they have to be collected from an off-site store.
• Archives: The Museum has a large collection of original material which can normally be made available for research. As access to these items must be supervised, it may not always be possible to deal with requests on the spot.  We strongly suggest that visitors make prior arrangements to see material, though we will try to accommodate individual needs where possible.
• Photographs: The Museum has a large photographic collection and a separate collection by John Henry Knight (1848-1918).Access to the originals must be supervised, and so it may not always be possible to deal with requests on the spot. We strongly suggest that visitors make prior arrangements to see material, though we will try to accommodate individual needs where possible.
• The Farnham and District Museum Society newsletters: The Museum Society has published a quarterly newsletter since 1965. Copies are to be found in the file boxes on the bottom shelf inside the door to the left. The newsletters contain much useful information on local history and associated topics often being the result of original research by Museum Society members.
• Periodicals and specialist publications: The Museum holds Root and Branch, The Local Historian, British Archaeology, Surrey Archaeological Society, Surrey Industrial History Group, Hampshire Field Club etc. Various parish magazines as well as publications by local history groups and societies.
• Oral history tapes: The Museum has a large collection on many aspects of Farnham's history. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to consult these. It may be necessary to make an appointment.

School Projects

Many children from local schools use the library each year. Staff are usually on hand to help out, but we won't do your homework for you!

More information

Please contact the museum using the details at the bottom of this page for more information.

Page owner: . Last updated: 25/11/2011 13:51