On Saturday, 28th September, Nottinghamshire Archives – at Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham – will be throwing open its doors and hosting a day of talks and demonstrations – ArchivesFest – to celebrate their 70th anniversary.

People can join its team of archivists, conservators and guest speakers as they tell some of the weird and wonderful tales from the archives’ vaults and share their knowledge and skills in archival conservation.

The day gets off to a grisly start with historian Ian Morgan talking all things horror and haunting on the Notts Great North Road, followed by a demonstration from conservation expert David Ackrel on binding a Victorian leather book.

The afternoon continues with talks on some of the more mysterious records held at Nottinghamshire Archives with archivist Ruth Imeson, Nottingham’s strange archaeology with James Wright, women’s suffrage with the Nottingham Women’s History Group and the role of the historian as an archives detective with historian Dr Richard Gaunt from the University of Nottingham.

Ruth Imeson, Heritage Services Manager at Nottinghamshire Archives, said: “Here at the Archives we’ve protected the county’s history for 70 years. We look after over four million documents, some of which are older than the Magna Carta, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people along to this day of celebration and sharing some of Nottinghamshire’s stories.”

Coun Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire County has a varied and fascinating history and many of our precious heritage documents are cared for through the Archives Service in partnership with Inspire.”

Tickets are £15 for the full day, spaces limited so early booking advised.

For more information about Archives Fest visit www.inspireculture.org.uk/archivesfest or call 0115 958 1634.