Major National Lottery investment to unlock UK’s archives

A £5m investment into the archives sector will unlock collections across the UK and build the skills and resilience needed to care for them into the future. The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust and the Wolfson Foundation are delighted to announce that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has invested in the Archives Revealed funding.

This significant investment will have a transformative impact on the archives sector, allowing for the preservation and accessibility of valuable historical collections. The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment of £5m will be matched by contributions from the Pilgrim Trust and the Wolfson Foundation, bringing the total funding to £10m. This will enable the Archives Revealed program to provide grants to archives across the UK, supporting them in their efforts to preserve and share their collections with the public.

The Archives Revealed program was launched in 2017 by The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust and the Wolfson Foundation, with the aim of supporting archives in the UK to unlock their hidden collections. These collections, which include documents, photographs, and other historical materials, are often at risk of deterioration due to lack of funding and resources. With this new investment, the program will be able to expand its reach and support even more archives in preserving their collections.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment is a testament to the importance of archives in our society. These collections hold a wealth of information and stories that are crucial to our understanding of the past and shaping our future. By investing in the preservation and accessibility of these collections, the National Lottery Heritage Fund is not only safeguarding our history but also promoting education and research.

The Archives Revealed program will not only provide financial support to archives but also offer training and development opportunities. This will help build the skills and resilience needed to care for these collections into the future. With the rapid advancement of technology, it is essential for archives to keep up with the latest techniques and methods of preservation. The program will also focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the archives sector, ensuring that all voices and stories are represented and preserved for future generations.

The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Wolfson Foundation are thrilled to have the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in this endeavor. This investment will have a lasting impact on the archives sector, allowing for the preservation and accessibility of collections that were previously hidden. It will also create new opportunities for research and education, as well as promote the importance of archives in our society.

The Archives Revealed program has already had a significant impact since its launch, with over 100 archives receiving funding and support. With this new investment, the program will be able to reach even more archives and unlock their hidden collections. This will not only benefit the archives themselves but also the wider community, as these collections will be made available for research, education, and enjoyment.

In conclusion, the £5m investment into the archives sector by The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a game-changer for the preservation and accessibility of historical collections in the UK. It will not only unlock hidden collections but also build the skills and resilience needed to care for them into the future. The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Wolfson Foundation are grateful for this investment and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the archives sector and the wider community.