A Volunteering Story – “it’s so important to make history more accessible to everybody!”
Cheshire Archives welcomed students from Christleton High School, Ellesmere Port Catholic High School and Lymm High School for a week of work experience.
During their time with us, the students met members of our team working in various roles, learning how we look after records as well as how we engage researchers, schools and members of the public. They completed a variety of archives tasks, such as transcribing historic documents, using a microfilm reader, fulfilling copying orders, and indexing photographs.
We also took full advantage of Chester’s Festival of Ideas running during the same week, visiting Chester Town Hall for talks and displays, and helping out at the Archives’ own ‘Food for Thought’ exhibition at the CASC Gallery (Contemporary Art Space Chester).
As we prepare to open our new centres and make our collections available to new audiences, the students’ feedback gave us a valuable insight into young people’s perspectives. We’re really pleased that they understood our mission to make archives more accessible, and we’d like to thank the students for really getting stuck in to all the tasks they were given. Here’s what they told us about their week:
“When signing up for work experience at the archives, I hadn’t anticipated the many different jobs and tasks that go into working in an archive. Although the experience was very busy, it was also very interesting and taught me many different skills, including transcribing various recipe books with some questionable spelling.” (Lily)
It was the hands-on activities that the students particularly enjoyed:
“We looked at a range of physical copies that told the history of Cheshire, such as maps, Lewis Carroll books and photographs. What I really enjoyed was transcribing old texts from the Parkside Asylum, and it gave me an insight to what it’s like to work with old documents. I enjoyed working here since I was already interested in history and literature, but it really helped me narrow down my university and career options.” (Arnee)
They were also able to delve into the various types of collections we have:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the archives. I liked seeing the old books and learning the difference between archives and local studies.” (Charlotte)
“I enjoyed looking at the Local Studies collection, particularly in regards to my local area, amazed by how much had changed over time. The pre-1800 book collection has to be a highlight of my week here, since I had never come into contact with such a fascinating collection prior.” (Dannielle)
Overall:
“My favourite part of the placement was transcribing the old Parkside Asylum records; even though most of them were quite sad, I enjoyed the idea that what people went through in these places is being recognised and seen by the general public, and that their stories are no longer hidden.” (Lily)
“From the first day of our week here, I was amazed by the extent of the collections in the Archives’ strong rooms, in awe of how much history was able to be preserved… I can’t wait to visit the new buildings when they open, since I believe that it’s so important to make history more accessible to everybody. Thank you, Cheshire Archives!” (Dannielle)
By Amelia Bain-McCulloch, Volunteer Officer
