Our Archives and Research Library

The Deal Maritime and Local History Museum has a range of archive material and books on the history and development of Deal and district. 

Visitors are welcome to undertake independent research at the museum.  We are open from 1 April to 25 October.

Visits are welcome by appointment.  To help us assist you effectively, we suggest that you contact us to indicate your area of research as well as your preferred appointment time, at least two weeks in advance. Please email [email protected]

Access

The room is on the upper floor of the main building. Access is via a staircase.

The first time you use the archives, you will be asked to register.  Please bring a form of identity giving name, address/photograph such as a recent bank statement, official bill or driving licence. Please note that only pencils may be used in the room.  Coats and bags must be left in the cloakroom downstairs.

Charging Policy

Initially, the trustees will not charge for research visits as the collection is not yet fully catalogued.  However, donations are appreciated and all monies received will be used to develop the archives and library. Modest charges will be levied for photocopying and photography and the current charges are displayed in the archive room.

Email or postal queries will be dealt with as soon as possible but may take up to four weeks, depending on the nature and scope of the enquiry.  If a query is complex, we reserve the right to charge, but will notify you in advance of undertaking the research.  Answers to simpler queries, via email, will not result in a fee but donations would be very welcome if we are able to help you.

Consumable Charges

Photocopies: 50p per A4 page

Photocopying by post: £5 + charge per page

Photography using your own camera & for personal use only (not for publication or websites): 50p per image taken

Rates for commercial use of the archives and museum collection are considered on a case by case basis.  Please enquire for further details.

Examples of Artefacts

Royal Marines Items

This particular booklet is a new arrival's information handbook from the 1970s.  However the archives house a number of other items that you may be interested in reading in more detail.

The Dandy Oct 31 1964

This edition had an article about Deal written by 12 year old Christoper Pugh of Diana Gardens.

Deal Pier

Details about the first pier and how it was discovered in the 1970s. As well as other information about Deal pier througout its history.