Archives Collection

Introduction to the Archives Collection
Details of the Archives Catalogue
Contents of the Archives Catalogue
Personal and Scientific Papers Index

Introduction to the Archives Collection

The material in the Archives Collection reflects the history not only of the MBA, but also the origins and early history of British marine science. The collection includes:

• documents and records relating to the early history and development of the Association and its Laboratory, the research programmes, staff, visiting workers and membership, the buildings, ships, library, aquarium, journal, finance and administration
• personal and scientific papers, letters, notebooks and documents, illustration and photographs.

Since 1993 efforts have been made to identify, sort and list archival material which should be preserved, to catalogue and make them accessible. In 1994 and 1995 the British Library contributed towards the costs of the work through its scheme of grants for cataloguing and preservation, and a grant from the Pilgrim Trust in 1996 supported the preparation of the Archives Catalogue. Since then, work has been on-going: additional material has been catalogued and existing records are being described in more detail.

The Archives Catalogue has now been digitized and is available online in order to promote the collection.

If you are interested in consulting the MBA Archives Collection, please refer to the NMBL "Services" page.