Research centre

MEA House, the Society’s Research Centre and Library

On arrival members and visitors sign in at the Reception Desk. Belongings you do not immediately require can be left in lockers or on coat hangers. Photocopies can be collected or requested at the Reception Desk. The Society’s publications can also be ordered or purchased here.
	The Society in the past has offered refreshments for researchers; due to lack of space this is not longer possible. There is a café on the ground floor of MEA House.
Our computers give access to the extensive and ever-growing database of Northumberland and Durham Parish Records, Baptisms, Marriages, Burials, and Monumental Inscriptions. There are also local census records. FindmyPast and Ancestry are also available. Many other sources of information are available on-line here as well.
	The Library houses a significant collection of books on the region and local history including for example trade directories and maritime records. There are local Roman Catholic and Non-Conformist records as well as some parish records of neighbouring counties.
Will Indexes and information on War Memorials as well as back-copies of the Society’s Journal may be consulted. We also have a collection of original Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates kindly donated by researchers.
	Our large collection of microfiche is also a source of similar material. In addition we hold the Old Parish Records for Scotland, the International Genealogical Index, various parish records from elsewhere in the country and more besides.

MEA House is located on the south side of Ellison Place, off Northumberland Street, along Saville Rod, across John Dobson Street.

It is only a few minutes walk away from a Metro Station ( Monument, or Haymarket) or a Bus Station (Eldon Square, or Haymarket).

(*Monument Metro Station is one stop from Newcastle Central Station).

There are several car parks in the immediate area.

The Research Centre is located on the 3rd Floor and can easily be reached by lift.

If you wish to use a computer or fiche reader it is advisable to telephone and book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Refreshments for Researchers are available at the Cafe located on ground floor at MEA House.

Monday – Thursday 10.00am to 3.00pm. Friday – closed.

3rd Floor
MEA House
Ellison Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8XS
United Kingdom
Telephone: U.K. (0191) 261 2159
Overseas: +44 191 261 2159

Last updated 19th October 2021.