NEWS
Rachel Bellerby reports on the latest genealogy news. Got a story to share? Email editorial@family-tree.co.uk
CORONAVIRUS CLOSURES
Family historians around the world are settling in for a time of home-based research as major archive and museum facilities close their doors during the Coronavirus pandemic
Following government advice, museums, libraries and archives around the UK have begun to close their doors until further notice, following similar closures in mainland Europe.
Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of the UK National Archives, announced on 17 March: ‘In a time of national effort, it is important that we play our part: by protecting what is valuable, maintaining what is essential and by working flexibly to carry out our duties in new ways.’
All scheduled events at the Archives are cancelled until at least the end of May.
On the same day, National Records of Scotland took the decision to close its Scotlands People and its historical and legal search rooms until further notice, with Public Record Office of Northern Ireland also closed until further notice. National Archives of Ireland is currently giving a reopening date of 20 April and offering a limited email query service, whilst many county and local libraries
