Located in Chelmsford, the Essex Record Office looks after the historical record of Essex: from medieval manuscripts to postcards from Clacton.

We’re designing a brand-new exhibition space to tell the story of our collections, and we want you to help shape it.

Join our online focus group to share your thoughts on the proposed themes and designs. Your feedback will help ensure the space reflects the diverse stories of Essex, past and present, and is engaging and accessible to all.

🗓 Date & Time:
Tuesday 21 October

Session 1: 11:00–12:30

Session 2: 17:00–18:30

💻 Location: Online (link provided before event)
🎟 What to expect: A 1.5-hour session on Microsoft Teams, with questions and activities to explore your responses to the exhibition concepts.
🎁 Thank you gift: A £50 voucher redeemable at over 80 high street and online stores (see Love2Shop Gift Cards for details).

👉 Register your interest now to be part of this exciting opportunity!

You will need:

- Access to a computer with a camera and microphone

- Ability to join Microsoft Teams meetings

- Willing to contribute your unique perspective and ideas

We’re looking for participants from across Essex, all backgrounds and experiences welcome. You do not need any prior experience or knowledge of archives or exhibition design. If you have specific access requirements, please let us know in the booking form and we will strive to meet them.

Please note: We aim to keep our focus groups diverse and balanced. If we receive a high number of applications, we may need to waitlist some participants. We’ll let you know by Friday 17 October if you have a confirmed place.

Please email openthebox@essex.gov.uk for any questions or if you need the registration form in another format.

Open the Box: Exhibition Focus Group