The Archives Centre at the Maritime Museum houses an extensive collection of books and documents covering the maritime history of the Liverpool City Region.
Our collections focus on the merchant navy and mercantile shipping. Topics covered include: Transatlantic Slave Trade, emigration, seafarers, shipping companies, merchants, maritime businesses, records of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, training ships, and maritime charities.
Our library collection includes a wide range of Lloyd’s shipping publications for research into vessels. We hold a number of large photographic collections including Stewart Bale Commercial Photographers and records of some Merseyside businesses including Vulcan Foundry.
The Archives Centre is located on the second floor of the Maritime Museum. We are open Wednesday to Friday by appointment only, although these hours may change in the future. See our website for further information and contact us to arrange a visit. Some collections are held at an offsite store which is usually open by appointment on the last Friday of the month.
Note we do not hold the following types of records:
— Passenger lists or emigration records
— Crew lists
— Official records of merchant seamen
— Official records of Royal Navy personnel
Information on how to locate these records can be found on our website in the information section.
The Archives Centre,
Merseyside Maritime Museum,
Royal Albert Dock,
Liverpool,
L3 4AQ
maritime.archives@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
The Archive Centre Searchroom at the Merseyside Maritime Museum; staff are available to assist at all times.
The Archive Centre Searchroom at the Merseyside Maritime Museum; staff are available to assist at all times.
Illustration of the celebrations as Prince Albert opens the Albert Dock, The Pictorial Times, 1846 (reference DX/898)
Illustration of the celebrations as Prince Albert opens the Albert Dock, The Pictorial Times, 1846 (reference DX/898)
Part of Horwood’s Map of Liverpool showing the town centre and docks, 1803 (reference Horwood/1803)
Part of Horwood’s Map of Liverpool showing the town centre and docks, 1803 (reference Horwood/1803)
The Archive Centre Searchroom at the Merseyside Maritime Museum; we can move the furniture to accommodate group visits
The Archive Centre Searchroom at the Merseyside Maritime Museum; we can move the furniture to accommodate group visits
The Cunard liner Lusitania at the Landing Stage as a Mersey ferry departs for New Brighton crowded with passengers, 1907 (reference McR/25/125)
The Cunard liner Lusitania at the Landing Stage as a Mersey ferry departs for New Brighton crowded with passengers, 1907 (reference McR/25/125)
Photograph of the Pier Head, Liverpool, 1959 by Stewart Bale Ltd (Stewart Bale collection, Merseyside Maritime Museum, reference SB/1613-382)
Photograph of the Pier Head, Liverpool, 1959 by Stewart Bale Ltd (Stewart Bale collection, Merseyside Maritime Museum, reference SB/1613-382)
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