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History

The co-operative movement has a musuem and a rich archive dating back to the beginning of the 19th century. It includes:

  • Original writings of Robert Owen and other 'thinkers' of the co-operative movement
  • Original records of co-operative societies
  • Journals, books and pamphlets
  • Artefacts
  • Photographs
  • Film
  • The original trading building of the Rochdale Pioneers

The extensive archive materials are being made available as learning resources and this section will grow.

Learning areas covered:

  • Bombed, Blitzed and Bunkered but never beaten!
    • Looking at the 2nd World War, sections include The Blitz, Evacuees and Rationing

  • Co-operative films

    • This activity looks at three films from the Co-operative archive: 'Men of Rochdale', 'Rogerson Hall' and 'Advance Democracy’.

  • Robert Owen
    • Four units that look at The Life and Work of Robert Owen; The Rochdale Pioners and the founding principles of the co-operative movement; The Expansion of the co-operative movement and the Co-operative Dividend.