The Bideford Community Archive project started in 1983 under the auspices of a Manpower Services Commission funded scheme. From 1985, it was run by volunteers as a charity – Bideford & District Community Archive Council.
We aim to promote a community identity and inform the public about the history of Bideford and the surrounding area by collecting and preserving documents, maps, books and photographs relevant to the district and conserving physical remains of the past. Village and specific topic information is held, as well as Census material. We support research into family, community and property history using the Archive’s resources and the experience and knowledge of our volunteers.
Our team of 20 regular volunteers assist with research, conservation of resources and production of articles which are added to our web site. We continue the development and maintenance of our website due to the upturn trend in online researching.
Based in offices at Northam Town Council, 1 Windmill Lane, Northam, the Archive rents rooms on three floors which enables access for all members of the public. The addition of two fireproof safes enables the Archive to securely store films and microfiche.
Our visitors’ records identify hundreds of people including family and property historians, students preparing dissertation material, local writers and researchers, and social history groups. The Archive gives presentations to associations and clubs on local interest topics, and volunteers attend fairs and heritage days such as Bideford and Northam Fairs. We use social media and have a website, all of which are updated on a weekly basis.
