Visitors will be taken on behind-the-scenes tours of the secure strongrooms of the archives and local studies sections. They will be shown how the books and papers that make up the archives are repaired, with a chance to watch the conservators at work.

People will be able to try their hand at writing with a quill pen and children's activities will include word searches and a competition to design a family crest.

Local residents can also search the Beverley Freemen's roll to find out if their ancestors were Freemen of Beverley.

A competition will also be held in which one visitor will win the opportunity to spend a day researching their family history with the archivists.

There will be an exhibition of unique historical documents on topics including World War 2, work, schools and leisure. The documents show how our ancestors lived, worked, learned and built their communities.

The open day will take place from 9am to 4pm at the Treasure House in Champney road as part of the national Archive Awareness Campaign.

Staff will be on hand throughout the day to give advice about sources for local and family history in the East Riding.

For more information, please ring (01482) 392790.