Skip to main content
Service phase: Beta

This is a new way to search our records, which we’re still working on. Alternatively you can search our existing catalogue, Discovery.

Sub-sub-fonds

British Museum (Natural History): Central Administration: Director's Office: Case...

Catalogue reference: DF 1004

What’s it about?

This record is about the British Museum (Natural History): Central Administration: Director's Office: Case... dating from 1882; 1921-1975.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at The Natural History Museum Archives, London. How to view it.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at The Natural History Museum Archives, London. How to view it.

Full description and record details

Reference
DF 1004
Title
British Museum (Natural History): Central Administration: Director's Office: Case and Policy Files
Date
1882; 1921-1975
Description

This series contains subject files opened by the Director and the Museum Secretary on a wide range of Museum matters, including the acquisition, exchange and disposal of collections, research projects, accommodation, exhibitions, expeditions, publications, relations with government departments, other organisations and with individuals, research projects, and wartime evacuation.

The filing system was set up in 1921 when it was decided to cease binding incoming papers into Reports and Letters volumes (DF 1000), and was administered by the Museum Secretary's staff, within the Directorate. Earlier papers were incorporated into a few files, but most date from 1921 or later.

When the registry was reorganised in 1972 it was reduced in scope as the Director began to keep his own files separately.

Copies of outgoing papers are present in most files, duplicating those held in DF 1001.

Series held at The Natural History Museum are catalogued more fully in its online catalogue (reference DF ADM/1004). Online descriptions of some individual records can also be viewed on Discovery, see DF 1004.

Arrangement

Arrangement of the registry was alphabetical by file title. The registry was reorganised in 1972, when alpha-numeric reference codes were used for the first time.

Related material

Related papers are held in the Director's subject files in: DF 933

Held by
The Natural History Museum Archives, London
Legal status
Public Record(s)
Language
English
Physical description
905 files and volumes
Access conditions
Subject to 30 year closure unless otherwise stated
Immediate source of acquisition
The series was transferred to Archives in 1986.
Subjects
Topics
Research
Museums and galleries
Accruals
The series is accruing through the Modern Record Store.
Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/C16114/

How to order it

  1. View this record page in our current catalogue
  2. Check viewing and downloading options
  3. Select an option and follow instructions

Catalogue hierarchy

31,386 records
226 records

Within the fonds: DF

Records created and acquired by the Natural History Museum, London

You are currently looking at the sub-sub-fonds: DF 1004

British Museum (Natural History): Central Administration: Director's Office: Case and Policy Files