Glamorgan Archives is inviting residents to step behind the scenes next month as it throws open its doors for a special day of tours, talks and hands‑on history.
The Leckwith-based archive service will host its Open Doors event on Saturday 12 September, giving visitors the chance to explore centuries of local history and learn how the region’s records are preserved.
Throughout the day, staff will offer demonstrations in the conservation studio, showing how fragile documents are repaired and protected for future generations. Visitors can also browse original records that chart more than 800 years of life across Glamorgan.
Members of the Glamorgan Family History Society will be on hand to answer questions and help people begin or continue their own research. The group will also deliver two free short talks:
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11am – Researching Your Irish Family History
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1.30pm – Online Resources for Welsh & English Family History: Beyond Ancestry & Find My Past
Behind‑the‑scenes tours of the strongrooms—home to more than 12km of documents—will run at 10am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Places are free but must be booked in advance.
Staff will also be available throughout the day to offer guidance on local history, house history, family research, school projects and more.
The event takes place at Glamorgan Archives, Clos Parc Morgannwg, Leckwith, Cardiff, CF11 8AW, where free parking is available. Directions and public transport information can be found at glamarchives.gov.uk/visiting-us.
Glamorgan Archives serves Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan, preserving records dating from the 12th century to the present day.
To reserve a tour place, email glamro@cardiff.gov.uk or call 029 2087 2299. Further details about the national Open Doors programme are available at cadw.gov.wales.

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