The first quarter of the 21st century has been a time of extraordinary change for us all.

We’ve entered a new millennium and witnessed technological advances that were once unimaginable, from the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to the way we communicate every day. Together, we experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed how many of us lived, worked and connected with one another.

In 2022, we witnessed the end of an era with the death of Queen Elizabeth, followed by the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

While these national events made the headlines, the West Yorkshire Archive Service preserves another side of the story: the local, everyday histories of Leeds people who lived through them. Through photographs and diaries, records of community projects and local businesses, and with personal memories and stories, these archives capture what life has been like in Leeds from the year 2000, to now.

Pop in and discover how we preserve today’s experiences for future generations!