Kew News

News | Births, marriages and deaths indexes free online at The National Archives: "14 January 2008

In response to growing demand, The National Archives has agreed free onsite internet access to the birth, deaths and marriages indexes, through findmypast.com, the UK family history website.

From 1 November 2007, users at The National Archives´ Kew site, and on the first floor of the Family Records Centre in Myddleton Street, up until 15 March 2008, will have free access to the digitised indexes, for an initial one-year trial period.

James Strachan, Head of Public Services and Marketing at The National Archives, said: 'The National Archives is always looking to improve its services, and develop customer experience. Following numerous requests from the public, we have come to this agreement with findmypast.com which enables us to get even closer to providing a comprehensive family history service.'"

News | Surplus used microfilms and microfiche offered for disposal: "Due to the relocation of our Family Records Centre services to Kew, The National Archives is offering the following batches of redundant microfilms and microfiche, free, on a first-come, first-served basis:"

News | Significantly reduced seating capacity in reading rooms at Kew until late spring 2008: "Improvement to services provided at Kew, including critical building work will continue until late spring 2008"

Transfer of The National Archives' services from the Family Records Centre

All services provided by The National Archives at the Family Records Centre (FRC) are transferring to Kew. These will no longer be available at the FRC after 15 March 2008. The fully integrated services will be available at Kew from 25 March 2008. Access to microfilm/microfiche and computer terminals at Kew will be particularly limited during the period 17-20 March 2008 inclusive.

News | Operational Selection Policies for public consultation: "The National Archives has issued two draft Operational Selection Policies (OSPs) for public consultation. One is for government case files relating to competition (OSP 43) and the other for OFWAT, the Water Services Regulation Authority, (OSP 47). You"

News | 30-year rule review - independent consultation launched: "The Prime Minister announced on 25 October that he has commissioned a review of when historical records are transferred to The National Archives and largely opened to public access. This currently happens 30 years after an event, and the Prime Minister's review will look at whether this period should be reduced."

The review team has now launched the 30-year rule review website. You can contribute your views to the 30-year rule review until Friday 29 February 2008 by filling in the online questionnaire.