People are being urged to hunt for Bronte artefacts, possibly stashed in the attic, to help paint a picture of what life was like in Haworth at the time they lived there in the early 19th century.

Drawings, letters, books – the Bronte possessions auctioned off in 1861 when Reverend Patrick Bronte died – could all help experts at the Bronte Parsonage Museum expand their knowledge of the three writer sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne and their brother Branwell.

Throughout October, museum staff will be offering free advice on such material to people living in and around Haworth.

In addition to finding out what important Bronte or Bronte-related items might still be in private hands, the museum is also keen to encourage people to use the museum’s resources to find out more about items in their possession and have the opportunity to benefit from conservation advice.

The move comes as part of a programme of community events following a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to the museum.

It will also support new developments to the historic rooms of the Parsonage in January, 2010, such as new displays focusing on the Haworth community in which the Brontes lived.

Andrew McCarthy, the museum director, said: “It’s well known that various pieces of ‘Bronteana’ passed into the hands of local families following an auction of Bronte household items after Patrick Bronte’s death in 1861.

“Obviously we’re keen to know what, if anything, is still out there but also to offer information and advice to anyone who is lucky enough to own items connected with the Brontes or Haworth in the Brontes’ time.”

Ann Dinsdale, collections manager, said many people had also owned pieces from the old church which was demolished, including items made from pew doors.

And Haworth families had examples of Patrick Bronte’s handwriting on records of baptism.

She had been consulted by experts on the Antiques Roadshow about a bible thought to be annotated by Patrick Bronte which eventually turned out not to be his handwriting.

People with items should contact her on (01535) 640198, by e-mail at a.dinsdale@bronte.org.uk