Archives and local studies

Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre (MALSC) is the place to visit for anyone interested in researching the history, geography and people of Medway. The centre houses special collections on Charles Dickens, Chatham Dockyard and Medway’s naval history.

Local and family historians, researchers, students and business users are encouraged to use the public searchroom in Strood, where an extensive range of resources is available.

"Our aim is to collect, collate, conserve and promote our extraordinary collections, and to ensure our rich heritage is preserved, appreciated and accessible." Source: MALSC's service plan 2010/11.

	Plan your visit to the Studies Centre Find out about our opening hours and directions on how to find us. Please note that booking is required to access original archive material listed in the online catalogue and also to use specialised equipment such as microfilm readers. Phone: 01634 332714.
	Search CityArk CityArk is the online catalogue of our archive collections. It also includes an imagebase of selected digitised documents and a document gallery of some of our most significant documents.
	Access parish registers online on Medway Ancestors Parish registers for the Archdeaconry of Rochester cover the Medway parishes and extend into North West Kent, such as Dartford and Gravesen.
	Check holdings of Local Studies books The main reference collection of local studies material is held at MALSC while smaller lending and reference collections are kept at branches of Medway Libraries. The online catalogue gives information on all these holdings.
	View historical images on MedwayImages 1,500 images of Medway from the 19th century to the present day are searchable by place names, names of streets, specific buildings and landmarks and additional keywords. The Couchman collection (see link 5) of digitised scrapbooks also includes many historical images of Medway. These images are however only a selection from our collections. Visit the Studies centre to view more photographs.
	Exhibitions and events programme MALSC has an extensive programme of exhibitions, talks and events throughout the year. Exhibitions are free to view during our normal opening hours. Talks and events should be booked in advance. Phone: 01634 332714
	Learn about the range of resources that we hold Our extensive collections include historical maps of the local area, electoral registers and poll books, a school loan collection and much more.
	Researching your family history? Find out about the wide range of resources and services that MALSC offers to family historians including free access to AncestryLibrary.com and a regular family history help-desk manned twice weekly by volunteers from the local branch of the Kent Family History Society.
	Access the Medway Index to Local Newspapers (MILN) MILN is an index of selected references to articles in local newspapers from 1830 to date. All local newspapers can be viewed at the Studies Centre. They are largely available on microfilm and it is advisable to book a microfilm reader to view them. Phone: 01634 332714

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