Archives

Archives

Explore Fife’s past through real stories and voices

Explore Fife’s past through real stories and voices

Our Archives Search Room opens the door to over 500 years of history, with unique records that reveal how local people, communities and places have changed over time.

OnFife Archives cares for thousands of unique records — from electoral registers and school files to police, asylum and poor relief documents — each offering a window into Fife’s past. Together, they preserve local stories, deepen understanding of our shared history and safeguard it for future generations.

What you can do

You can access collections online, at libraries with archive sections (Kirkcaldy Galleries, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries & Cupar library), or in person at the Search Room.

News & updates

Catch up on stories, discoveries and highlights from our museums and archives teams.

Archive of lockdown memories is history in the making

12 Aug 2022

Archive of lockdown memories is history in the making

Museum curators are recording Fifers’ memories of Covid-19 so future generations can gain precious insights into life during the pandemic. Staff from…
Archive volunteers get caught up in sweep of history

18 Dec 2024

Archive volunteers get caught up in sweep of history

For anyone who loves Fife’s rich heritage, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to brush up on some local history. A group…
#Break the Bias- Vonda Sturrock, a woman with a mission.

8 Mar 2022

#Break the Bias- Vonda Sturrock, a woman with a mission.

 Suzie Marshall, wonderful volunteer with the local studies department in Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, has spent many hours researching the life…
A Year of Flooring the World

8 Feb 2023

A Year of Flooring the World

As we reach the end of the first year of the Flooring the World project, curator Lily shares some of the things…
An encore for donations of musical instruments

7 Mar 2022

An encore for donations of musical instruments

It’s been four weeks since we banged the drum looking for donations of instruments to help launch of a new musical library…
Archivist lifts the lid on secrets of Fife’s policing past

7 Oct 2024

Archivist lifts the lid on secrets of Fife’s policing past

A local history expert has been scouring Fife’s archives to gain fascinating insights into policing in days gone by. Local Studies Manager…
Fife’s first BSL Culture Day to celebrate Deaf culture, language and community

21 Feb 2025

Fife’s first BSL Culture Day to celebrate Deaf culture, language and community

Fife’s first-ever BSL (British Sign Language) Culture Day – a celebration of Deaf culture, language and community – is taking place next…
Fife pottery’s 100th anniversary donation is the cat’s whiskers!

12 May 2025

Fife pottery’s 100th anniversary donation is the cat’s whiskers!

The world acclaimed Wemyss Ware pottery has had a long-standing association with Kirkcaldy Galleries.  Displays of the beautiful, hand-painted work have featured…

Plan your visit

OnFife Collections Centre
Bankhead Central
Bankhead Park
Glenrothes
KY7 6GH
archive.enquiries@onfife.com

There is a visitor’s carpark onsite and Blue Badge parking spaces are available close to reception.

The Collections Centre is accessible. Please contact us in advance to arrange your visit.

Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas of this venue. They are trained working dogs supporting people with disabilities – please don’t distract or pet them.

For support on accessibility when travelling by bus Accessible Travel FAQs | Stagecoach and by train Accessible Train Travel and Facilities | National Rail

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