Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre
Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre tells the story of Merton and its people through a changing programme of exhibitions and events. The Centre also offers educational services for local schools and adult learners as well as access to a wide range of local history resources.
Location and opening hours
Located on the second floor of Morden Library , Merton Civic Centre.
|
Monday
|
9.30am to 7.00pm
|
|
Tuesday
|
9.30am to 7.00pm
|
|
Wednesday
|
9.30am to 7.00pm
|
|
Thursday
|
9.30am to 7.00pm
|
|
Friday
|
9.30am to 7.00pm
|
|
Saturday
|
9.30am to 5.00pm
|
|
Sunday
|
Closed
|
Merton Heritage Discovery Day 2023
Saturday 19 August sees the return of this popular FREE showcase for our borough's colourful past. The event will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm at Morden Library and Merton Civic Centre.
Visitors can look forward to guided walks, talks, photographic displays, children's crafts, film screenings, quizzes and stalls from over 30 different museums, heritage and community organisations. Some activities require advance booking, please visit our Eventbrite page to book a place.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nostalgia lover or simply want to know more about the area where you live - there will be something for everyone. For more details click on our Discovery Day programme.
Discover Merton's Heritage
Our new Discover Merton webpage provides unprecedented access to local history displays, archive film, heritage trails and spotter guides, talks, puzzles, research tips, children’s resources and links to Merton’s many museums, heritage and community groups.
You can also access a range of history page and activities on the Merton Memories website.
What we hold
Our collection includes local history information on Colliers Wood, Merton, Mitcham, Morden, Pollards Hill, Raynes Park, Wimbledon and West Barnes.
Sources include photographs of historic Merton and its various districts, local maps, electoral registers and trade directories, Council minute and agenda books, a small collection of Merton parish registers (up to 1812), genealogical guides and resources, local biographical resources, a large collection of local history books, articles and ephemera, local history magazines and periodicals as well as specialist collections on Merton Priory, Admiral Lord Nelson, William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Library users can also enjoy free access to the Ancestry website via public computers.
Merton Memory Bank
Discover Merton’s fascinating past using memory boxes featuring a range of objects, images, smells and sounds. Available for use by individual visitors and groups living with dementia. For more information click here.
Carved in Stone
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this project looks at Merton during the First World War. Visit the Carved in Stone website to find profiles of local combatants and details of life on the Home Front, from recruitment venues and military hospitals, to the role of women, war charities, the work of local industry and the experiences of refugees.
The project team has also produced resource packs to support the curriculum work of local schools and a fold-out heritage trail, highlighting Merton sites with First World War associations. To learn more about the project and how to access these resources, contact Merton Heritage Centre.
Research and proof of residency
If you have a family history enquiry or would like to know more about the area where you live, Merton Heritage Service offers a local history enquiry service .
We can also provide proof of residency information for customers wishing to obtain discounts on funeral costs.
Talks and exhibitions
A wide range of local history talks and exhibitions on the heritage of Merton are available to community groups, schools and local businesses.
Local history books
Our local history shop sells a large selection of books, postcards and maps on different aspects of Merton's heritage.
Merton Memories
You can discover 100 years of history in 15,000 images on the the Merton Memories website. This Heritage Lottery funded project provides unprecedented access to a unique collection of historic photographs charting the history of Merton from 1869 to the present day.
Heritage services for schools
Merton Heritage Service offers a range of educational support to local schools from resource box loans and class sessions, to displays and project advice.
Loans and donations
We are happy to hear from anyone who wishes to lend or donate material to our collection.
Heritage events
Merton Heritage Service offers a range of local history talks, exhibitions, workshops and learning activities throughout the year.
See also
Contact us
Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre,
2nd floor, Morden Library,
Merton Civic Centre,
London Road
Morden SM4 5DX
Tel. 020 8545 3239/4038
Email: local.studies@merton.gov.uk
Getting here
Buses: 80, 93, 118, 154, 157, 163,164, 293, 413, 201 and 470
Nearest Tube and Train: Morden (Northern Line), South Merton Station (ten minute walk), Morden South (ten minute walk). Pay and display car parks are available nearby at Sainsbury's and York Close.