A MUSEUM depicting a broad history of life in Richmondshire is preparing to create a digital archive of all of its items and exhibits.

Richmondshire Museum, based in Ryders Wynd, Richmond, is able to begin the long process of making its records available online following confirmation of a grant from Richmondshire District Council’s Communities Opportunities Fund.

The museum was awarded £4,865 from the council to pay for laptops and camera equipment needed to photograph the items in the archive, and to pay for skilled staff members to do the work.

With the digitalisation of the records, residents and local historians will be able to access many thousands of records to see if the museum holds photos, documents or artefacts which can help in their research.

Museum treasurer and resident IT expert Jim Finlayson said: “The intention at the moment is that we will make available on our public website a search facility which people will be able to use and find out if the museum holds material they are looking for.

“Some of the information will be available to view on the website, while more detailed information will be available in the museum, and there will be a link to contact us to request to see that.”

He added: “Our intention is that the more comprehensive database from the museum will include scanned copies or photographs of items that can be made available to researchers.

“It is fantastic and very exciting – we have done several small projects in the past but his grant has enabled us to take it to a different level.”

Anyone interested in helping – particularly with photography skills - should visit Richmondshire Museum, visit richmondshiremuseum.org.uk or call 01748-825611.