Press Release

Derry Delves Into Its History With Archive Awareness Campaign

Wednesday 5th October 2005

Amateur historians can learn a bit more about Derry’s past with the Archive Awareness Campaign during October. The initiative will give people a chance to explore Derry’s past through a variety of media, from written papers and illustrations to photographs and visual or sound recordings.

The Archive Awareness Campaign helps illustrate how our history is documented - not just by official historians but through family letters and private collections from local businesses and personalities. Archive material doesn’t have to be old but has been selected to be preserved permanently. Archive documents illustrate what life was like in the past.

Explaining what the campaign has to offer, Bernadette Walsh, Archivist with Derry City Councils Heritage and Museum Service said:

“This is a fantastic way for people to learn more about the city, it’s history and how life here has changed and developed. We’ve a variety of archive items which will give people an insight into life in Derry and how family life and business has changed. The campaign has been running for a number of years now and is responsible for a growth in visitor numbers to archive centres.

“I will also be available during the campaign to answer any questions people may have about the Council archive collection or how material is collected and conserved.”

A special evening lecture has been organised for Thursday, 13th October at 7.30pm in the Workhouse Museum. Called ‘The Workhouse Records’ it’ll be delivered by Irene 0‘Brien from the Mitchell Library, Scotland. Refreshments will be available. Bernadette will also be available throughout the day at the Harbour Museum for anyone interested in speaking to an archivist about items they may have at home, such as diaries, photographs and letters, that may be of interest to the archive service or to ask ‘What is an archivist and how do I become one!’ A selection of items from the collection will be on display throughout the week.

A range of educational activities have been organised for Wednesday 12th October by the Heritage and Museum Service between 1pm and 2pm. Budding historians will have the chance to take part in ‘Museum in a Box’ which will examine objects and archives from the Victorian period. Living History characters from the workhouse will also be there to help visitors develop a greater understanding of the era.

For further information please contact the Archivist at the Harbour Museum, Harbour Square Derry BT48 6AF, Telephone: 028 71377331

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Press Office

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