The Social History Collection illustrates the social, economic and cultural history of Petersfield and the surrounding villages.
An important part is the archive which includes oral history recordings, maps dating from 1868 to the present day and thousands of photographs of Petersfield through the ages.
The oral history collection has been built up over the last 10 years and includes memories from local people on World War II, school days, working and social lives of local residents.
The object collection includes locally made products such as Minibrix from the Itshide Rubber Factory, signs from local pubs and shops as well as tools and objects used in the home. Among the highlights are a penny farthing made on the Isle of Wight and the Coat of Arms from the former magistrates court.