Oldham Local Studies & Archives

Oldham Local Studies and Archives is dedicated to the collection and preservation of the archives, history and heritage of Oldham Metropolitan Borough, including the districts of Failsworth, Crompton, Royton, Chadderton, Lees and Saddleworth.

If you are interested in tracing the history of your family or your community, or want to find out what life was like 100 years ago, then Oldham Local Studies and Archives is here to help.

Current Events

Discovery Session: 20 December 2008, 2.00pm

Find out what family history resources are held at Oldham Local Studies and Archives: Census, parish registers, maps, newspapers, books, pamphlets, school records and much more. There will also be a discovery walk along Union Street (weather permitting).

War Memorials of Oldham and District

November 2008 marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War and to commemorate this event Oldham Local Studies and Archives is hosting a display looking at the various war memorials that were erected throughout Oldham and District in the years following the war.

Many people are aware of these memorials as we pass them every day but how many know anything about the architects, who paid for the memorials, what the memorials portray, and in some cases where they are now.

We have also discovered that many communities during the war erected rolls of honour listing the names of those who had enlisted or had been killed in action. Oldham Local Studies and Archives is trying to track down as many of these rolls of honour as possible, where they were situated, and where they may be now.

If you have any information about the rolls of honour or the Borough’s war memorials Oldham Local Studies and Archives would like to hear from you.

Family History

Do you need help with family history?

Experienced family historians from the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society are on hand every Wednesday from 2.00pm - 4.00pm at Oldham Local Studies and Archives to help with any queries or problems you may have . There is no need to book and beginners are welcome.

If you are unable to come on Wednesdays there will be an additional session  on Saturday 13th December from 10.00am - 1.00pm.

Opening Hours

Monday          10.00am - 7.00pm

Tuesday         10.00am - 2.00pm

Wednesday    10.00am - 5.00pm

Thursday        10.00am - 7.00pm

Friday             10.00am - 5.00pm

Saturday        10.00am - 4.00pm

How to contact us

Address: Oldham Local Studies and Archives,

84 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DN

Telephone: 0161 770 4654

E-mail: archives@oldham.gov.uk

Nearest railway station: Oldham Mumps

Access for people with disabilities:

Wheelchair access. Ramped access to the building is available from Greaves Street.

A wheelchair accessible toilet is available.

Cultural Quarter

Oldham Local Studies and Archives forms part of the Oldham Cultural Quarter Development. Click here for more information on the Cultural Quarter.

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Oldham Council, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT.
Telephone 0161 770 3000