The Henry Euler Memorial Trust, first established in 1996 under the terms of the will of Alderney resident, the late Mary Patricia Euler in memory of her husband, Henry Leonard Euler, was activated on her death in 2006, and is now governed by a Restatement of the Deed of Trust dated 24 July 2026. Under the terms of the this deed (Clause 2.1.(b), the Trustees are charged to inform develop and maintain the interest of the inhabitants of Alderney and others in the maritime heritage of Alderney. Further, under Miscellaneous provisions (Clauses 11.(f) and (i), the Trustees may promote research into subjects directly connected with the primary charitable purposes of the Trust and publish the results of any such research, and further make surveys and prepare maps and plans and collect information in relation to any place, site, building, structure or object of importance or interest in Alderney.

Scope

The entire archive is dedicated to the naval, military and associated social history of ALDERNEY/Channel Islands, supported by contemporary British and European history to provide context within the following five, broad chronological periods, thus:-

1042 – 1584
1584 – 1698
1698 – 1815
1815 – 1914
1914 – 2020

By virtue of Alderney's perceived strategic location over time, the bulk of the research carried out over some sixty years, is concentrated in the two latest periods featuring the island's pre-eminence in the face of Cherbourg's development as a port of war and, latterly, as a frontline fortress in Hitler's plans for the 'Atlantic Wall' during its occupation in World War 2. In covering a range of subject material, it is inevitable that there will be some overlap between periods in the interests of continuity. The expectation is that this archive becomes a world hub for Alderney maritime studies.

Policy

The Trust will continue to seek to acquire additional research materials which are of historical interest, and especially to acquire original documents which are in danger of neglect or destruction. Continuing research into records outside the specific geographical area of the Channel Islands will only be included if they have a direct or close connection to the subject focus.
Additions to the archive are accepted in every format, whether manuscript, printed or machine readable from the internet, and may include photographs, paintings and film. Artefacts will normally be directed to the appropriate museum. No original documents will be accepted without clear and valid title of ownership; loans will not normally be accepted.
We work closely with all interested parties and repositories to ensure that papers and other historical records are placed in the most appropriate home. In the event of dispute between the Trust and another repository as to the proper custodian of records, the advice of a neutral arbiter, such as the Historic Manuscripts Commission, will be taken.
The Trust reserves the right to deaccess records from the archive, while accepting that there should be a strong presumption against the disposal by sale of any documents in their possession.
Notice of new acquisitions and of any restrictions on access or use of the archive will be publicized at the earliest opportunity on the Trust's website.
The Trust does not seek to represent any particular historical, sectarian or other viewpoint in its acquisition and presentation of records, but to reflect as objectively as possible all aspects of Alderney's history.