Collections
The museum collection was begun around 1990 mainly by loans and donations from local families. The original focus of the collections can be broadly described as items pertaining to "Rural Life" — agricultural, social and domestic. This has resulted in a wide ranging and eclectic collection of objects.
As the museum is now full to capacity, future collecting must be more focused and relevant. The core collections are now:
- The Alford Mart building and related items
- Agriculture, with specific focus on NE Scotland and the Alford area in particular
- Social and cultural life of Alford and Donside area
The archives collection at Alford Heritage Museum can be searched via "Your Scottish Archives" website.
The entire collection can be viewed by searching for 3638 (museum number) or search for a topic and then refine the search by selecting Alford Heritage Museum as the repository (left hand column).
Collection Policy
Collections-policy-2022 DownloadCollection Search
Search our complete collection online through Your Scottish Archives. Our extensive catalogue includes thousands of items documenting rural life in Aberdeenshire.
Search Collection OnlineCollection Information Sheets
Please click a category heading to browse files.
Archives
Access our archive records through The National Archives Discovery catalogue. Our collection includes historical documents, photographs, and records relating to Alford and the surrounding area.
View ArchivesFamily History
The museum has a library of old photographs and documents about the local area. However, there is currently no online index to this collection.
As the museum is staffed by volunteers, we suggest that, if you have a family history enquiry, you send us the details in advance of your visit as the volunteer on duty may not be in a position to answer your questions.
Details of births, marriages, and deaths in Scotland can be searched online at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
Many old photographs of local people and their homes and businesses can be found on the Alford Images website which is now managed by the museum.
Old Photographs in the Museum Collection
A selection of historical family photographs from our archive collection, documenting local families and their stories throughout the decades.
Alford Images
Explore our extensive online photographic archive at Alford Images. Browse thousands of historical photographs documenting life in Alford and the surrounding area from the late 19th century to the present day.
The Alford Images website is now managed by the museum and continues to grow as new photographs are added to our collection.
Visit Alford Images