West Sussex Record Office re-opened its doors to the public in August after being closed for five months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since re-opening, the team have been looking at other ways to help people who want to visit but are unable to do so at the moment for a variety of reasons.
With this in mind, the Record Office is offering their popular remote Research Service at a special rate for the next six months.
The research offer applies to genealogical, house history, military, and other local history enquiries and anyone interested in the service can commission research for just £18 an hour (normal price – £36 an hour).
This service offers in-depth research by a member of Record Office staff using original documents in the archives and resources on the internet.
Research is limited to two hours per enquiry, but house histories usually require three hours of support.
Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “Since re-opening, the staff at the Record Office have been working on alternative ways that they can offer their service to members of the public who may not be ready or are unable to come and access the archives in the usual way.
“That’s why the Research Service is such a fabulous resource, as it allows people the chance to discuss their research enquiry with a member of staff, get a quote for the cost of the work and then sit back whilst the in-house team do the leg work.
“The service provided is thorough, professional and comprehensive and will allow people who can’t or don’t want to come to the site at Chichester, to re-engage with the Record Office – albeit from the comfort and safety of their own homes.”
For anyone interested in the remote Research Service, they can email record.office@westsussex.gov.uk for more information.
The Record Office is currently open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with reduced opening hours and limited spaces which need to be booked in advance.