The Kent Archaeological Society Library and Archive, housed at Maidstone Museum, is one of the most important resources for the study of Kent’s archaeology and history. It brings together a wide-ranging collection of material documenting the county’s past, from early antiquarian research to modern archaeological investigation.

The collections comprise books and journals, as well as a rich body of archival material, including ephemera, pamphlets, plans, maps, estate papers, glass plates, photographs, drawings, postcards, and the notebooks of past members. Together, these resources provide a unique record of research, fieldwork, and scholarship spanning more than a century and a half.

The Library and Archive reflect the long history of the Society itself, preserving the work of generations of archaeologists, historians, and local researchers. Many items are unpublished or rare, offering valuable insights into sites, landscapes, and discoveries that are not recorded elsewhere. As such, the collections are an essential resource for academic study, local history research, and independent enquiry.

Accessible through Maidstone Museum, the Library supports visitors, members, and researchers in exploring Kent’s heritage in depth. Whether consulting excavation records, historic maps, or early photographic collections, users are able to engage directly with primary sources that illuminate the county’s past.

Through ongoing cataloguing, preservation, and research, the Society continues to develop and care for the Library and Archive. By maintaining and making these collections available, it ensures that the knowledge and records of Kent’s history remain accessible for future generations.