Archives

Access to the records

Please note that, following the closure of the RCM Library in February 2008, the College's archives will also be inaccessible to researchers.

The archives of the RCM span more than 120 years and include committee minutes, reports, photographs, correspondence, accounts, press cuttings and scrap books. In addition to the records of the business of the College, we hold some papers of the Members of the College. Midwives' notebooks, case records, photographs and memorabilia give a fascinating insight into the practice of midwifery over the last century. An impressive collection of at least 1,000 photographs has been found covering College events and midwives in practice over a large part of the 20th century. We also have a collection of artefacts including china and artwork given to the College, midwives' uniforms and obstetric implements.

The archives are halfway through a process of being sorted and catalogued to make them available for consultation and research, a process which began in 2002.

Arrangement of records
Records will be arranged and catalogued within the following groups:

A Standing committees 
B Ad hoc committees and working parties
C Legal documents
D Buildings and premises
E Events and courses
F (currently unused)
G Reports and publications
H RCM departments
I Dealings with external bodies (incl. government)
J Branches and Affiliated Associations
K Press and publicity
L Appeals
M RCM corporate administration
N Accounts
O Policy statements
P Boards
Q Education 

Availability of records