Deposit of Archaeological Material

The Museum of Archaeology is the designated repository archaeological archives generated through development-led projects within Durham City. 

For projects outside Durham City but within County Durham or Darlington, please contact the County Durham Archaeological Archives.

Before you start fieldwork: Pre-Deposition Requirements

Project archaeologists must contact the museum during the preparation of the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI). A Museum Accession Number must be issued at this stage and included in all project documentation. To request an accession number, please complete the Fieldwork Notification Form and email it to gemma.lewis@durham.ac.uk

You must also ensure the CIfA Deed of Transfer is signed by the landowner at this stage. This is a mandatory requirement for deposition.

Deposition Requirements

We accept archaeological archives for Durham City only if they meet our current deposition standards, which cover:

• Physical finds and artefacts
• Documentary archives (paper and digital)
• Packaging, labelling, and conservation
• Legal documentation (e.g. Transfer of Title)

Please refer to our full Deposition Guidelines 2025 for detailed requirements.

Charges

A one-off charge applies to all archive deposits from commercial contractors. This fee contributes to:

• Long-term storage and preservation
• Cataloguing and accessioning
• Public access, research, and outreac

Charges are based on the Durham County Council  Charging Scheme and are reviewed annually. Additional fees may apply for:

• Oversized or non-standard items
• Archives requiring remedial work to meet standards

Final Deposition

Once your archive is ready:

1. Contact the museum to arrange a deposition appointment.
2. Complete the Deposition Form (Appendix B).
3. Include all required documentation:
   • Transfer of Title
   • Copyright Licence
   • OASIS form
   • HER-approved final report
4. Ensure you book an appointment and enough time is given to go through the Archive Deposition Checklist  and that you the archive meets the deposition requirements (Appendix C).

Need Help?

We are here to support you throughout your project. Please do not wait until the end of your excavation to get in touch. Early communication helps ensure a smooth deposition process and avoids delays or rejections.

Engagement and Outreach Opportunities

We also encourage you to liaise with us at the planning stage about potential opportunities for public engagement and outreach. These may include:

• Site tours and open days
• Activities in the museum gallery
• Talks for schools, university groups, and community heritage groups
• Events for local residents and stakeholders

While we may not always be able to accommodate every request, we are happy to explore ways to promote your project and connect it to the wider community.