Document Purchases

Increasingly historic archives and documents (e.g. diaries, photographs, letters and maps) are bought and sold at auctions and in online sales, perhaps only in a matter of days. This risks important parts of Dorset’s history being lost to public access. Decisions on the purchase of these items have to be taken quickly with little time to access external funds to bid successfully.

The Document Purchase Fund allows the County Archivist to access funds to purchase historically significant items relating to Dorset when they come up for sale. These documents can then be preserved and made accessible to everyone at the Dorset History Centre. Purchases are reported on the Dorset Archives Trust (DAT) website, in newsletters, press releases and at the DAT AGM and the support of the fund is acknowledged in the collection catalogue. This fund is a key part in Saving Dorset’s disappearing history. The aim is to grow the fund so that, with the agreement of the Trustees, more costly items can be purchased if the need arises.  You can support our Fund online.