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.

Christmas and New Year

Oldham Local Studies and Archives will be closed from 12.00 noon on Thursday 24 December.until 10.00am on Monday 4th January

Current Events

Deeds not Words: Women for a Better Oldham

Oldham Local Studies and Archives latest display Deeds not Words: Women for a Better Oldham looks at the contribution made by Oldham women in local politics, and social and environmental causes around the turn of the 20^th century to make Oldham a better place to live in.

A limited number of women first gained the vote in Oldham in 1869 but it wasn’t until 1907 that women could become local councillors. Denied access to local politics women became involved in groups such as school boards (from 1870) and the boards of poor law guardians (from 1894) responsible for administering local schools and the workhouse.

Local women were also heavily involved in the improvement of social conditions for Oldhamers. Mary Higgs, for example, was the driving force behind the establishment of hostels for women, while a number of women were behind the formation of the ‘Deaf and Dumb Institute’, and the administration of organisations for the blind.

A number of women also became interested in the environment of Oldham and this led to the forming of the Beautiful Oldham Society in 1902 and to the building of Garden Suburb which opened in 1909. Their aim was to improve the appearance of the town by, for example, planting trees and shrubs, and making appeals for smoke abatement.

The display aims to highlight the positive influence women had on local issues, many of which are still relevant today.

Events at Oldham Local Studies and Archives:

Family History:

Every Wednesday, 2.00pm - 4.00pm: Family History Advice Desk

Future Events:

Saturday, 9 January, 10.00am - 1.00pm: Family History Advice Desk:

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

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