Waltham Forest Archives and local studies library

The Waltham Forest Archives and local studies library are based at Vestry House Museum.

We can help you if you are interested in researching the following:

• Your family history
• The history of your house or street
• The development of the local area and local communities
• Subjects for a school project or for academic research

We hold on one site a wide range of manuscript, printed and pictorial resources for research into all aspects of the history of the Waltham Forest.

Searchroom visits are by prior appointment only on Thursday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

For contact details and access information please see tabs below.

Events

Explore Your Archive
Waltham Forest Archives at Vestry House Museum
Saturday 24 November, 10.30am to 5pm. Free entry.

Join us to discover more about using archives for your local history research at this free event to mark the national Explore Your Archive campaign.

• Explore a display of archives and printed sources in the Searchroom, 1pm to 5pm​
• Browse local history society stalls and meet our local experts, 10.30am to 5pm
• Drop in for local history talks and book signing sessions with local authors:
  • 10.45 Claire Weiss: 'Unravelling the Yarn, Zoë Hart Dyke: the Leyton Silk Road'
  • 12.15 James Diamond: 'The Home Front in Chingford, 1939-1945'
  • 3.15 Lissa Chapman: 'Anne Boleyn in London'

Free event. No pre-booking needed. All welcome.

Access information: the Searchroom is on the first floor and accessible by stairs only. Some facsimile items will be displayed on the ground floor. Talks, book signing sessions and local history society stalls will be on the ground floor and fully accessible.