Discover Hidden Memories at The Hive!

Now’s your chance to take a trip down memory lane and uncover those cherished memories, discover some you might have forgotten or not even known about, all for free at The Hive!

Thanks to a major project led by Worcestershire County Council’s Archive Service in partnership with Ancestry, thousands of local newspaper articles dating back to 1712 have been digitised, making it easier than ever to explore. What was once stored on microfilm is now available for free at The Hive, on library computers, or on your own device via their new Newspapers.com agreement. 

To celebrate this exciting milestone, The Hive is hosting a FREE drop-in event on Monday, 15 September 2025, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Level 2. Whether you're researching your family history, searching for a glimpse of your childhood, or simply curious to see if your name ever made the paper, our expert staff will be on hand to guide you through the process. Once you've got the hang of it, you'll be able to explore even more stories on your own!

Ian Cresswell, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment and Communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This event is perfect for anyone curious about uncovering forgotten moments, whether it’s a milestone in your personal history or something you’ve never heard about in your local community.”

In addition to the Worcestershire newspaper archive, Newspapers.com offers access to over 59 million pages from national and international publications, allowing you to take your search far beyond the county lines. Whether your family history is rooted in Worcestershire or further afield, there’s a treasure trove of information waiting for you to explore.

And don’t worry, if you prefer the original formats, the microfilms are still available for those who’d like to go the traditional route!

The Archive team look forward to welcoming you at The Hive on 15 September to uncover your story, all with free entry and no need to book.