The Borough of Greenwich - Greenwich and Woolwich in South East London - is famous for the richness of its history, maritime, military and Royal. In 2018 the Borough Museum and archive were closed and the buildings converted into a cultural centre. The archive was reopened elsewhere on a smaller site and has since offered a reduced service.

Greenwich and Woolwich are also famous for the national and international aspects of their cultural, political and industrial heritage. People and organisations in the borough have made a unique contribution to the story of our country. This has included cutting edge science, world class engineering, the development of a world wide communications network - and the great multi cultural diversity of its inhabitants, all with a story to tell. We need the contributions of all our people. 

A local history archive should form part of the Council's strategy to fight disadvantage - and also by demonstrating the diversity of its past enhance the offer to visitors for local economic advantage. It should also provide an educational facility where research skills can be learnt by all - from young children to elderly family historians.  

We urge Greenwich Council to restore a properly functioning archive and museum service to enable everyone to celebrate and research our heritage.

Greenwich Industrial History Society