Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th January 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
To the Market House
Saint Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Aim
Help us to move this unique historical collection to its first permanent home since it was started in 1996
About Us
The St Ives Archive was set up over a quarter of a century ago to develop and maintain the history of this unique town in Cornwall. St Ives has a long and distinct history dating back to the 5th century and there are people currently living here who can trace their families back to the 1500s.
The Archive holds thousands of documents including family records, old maps, and historical information about the mining and fishing industries that were once prevalent here, along with the histories of the artists who have visited and lived in the town since the 1800's. Our collection also includes nearly 40,000 photographs dating back to those captured on glass plates.
Why are we Crowdfunding?
The Archive is a registered charity run by over 35 volunteers and one part-time employee.
Since it was founded in 1996, the St Ives Archive has never had a permanent home. Thanks to the generosity of the Town Council, we are moving to the newly refurbished Market House premises in the centre of town.
However, the prohibitive cost of packing and moving the thousands of documents, photographs, archival boxes, books and maps requires funding. And that is why we are here. The move will need to be a specialist operation to ensure that everything is transported appropriately and safely.
Why Your Pledge Matters
The St Ives Archive holds history that is a valuable resource to many. From our local community to families on the other side of the world researching their roots, along with museums, newspapers, radio and television, the information held at the Archive is a unique resource used by a wide variety of people.
Market House
We look forward to opening the doors of our new location by early April 2026. Our new home in the centre of St Ives will be accessible for both residents and visitors to come and have a look around or to do research at our new Heritage and Study Centre.
Please help us to raise the money needed to move this irreplaceable resource safely, to its new home.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made