Thinking outside the Strongroom:
Exploring new directions in community
engagement
Sarah Tester
Community Collections & Outreach Archivist
/ExploreLibrariesandArchives@YorkArchivesUK #gatewaytohistory
http://citymakinghistory.wordpress.com
Introduction to
York: Gateway to History
“York: Gateway to History is an exciting project to create a 21st
century Archive and Local History Service for York – a service
which serves and reflects all communities and cultures, past
and present, in this ancient city”
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Introduction to
York: Gateway to History
Building a network of ‘community champions’
Supporting community groups in identifying,
managing and using their archive collections
Exploring new and long lasting ways of working
with community groups beyond the funded project
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
How we engaged with York’s
CommunitiesCommunities were asked as part of informal group and 1:1
meetings:
What support do you need for your archives?
Do you want to keep or deposit your archive?
How do you want to work with us?
111 individuals from 44 different community groups fed into
this process
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
What we discoveredOverwhelming support for the York: Gateway to History project
and Explore resulting in all 44 groups becoming Archive
champions
Less demand for archive training than anticipated
Unexpected demand for innovative projects in collaboration
with Explore
Our approach is successful!
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Lessons learned:
Listen to new ideas
Lord Deramore’s Primary School Research ProjectEngaging schools in archives and local history through
historical research for classroom activities
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Lessons learned:
Be responsive
Normandy Veterans Association York BranchGenerating new archives through collaboration and memory
gathering
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Lessons learned:
Be transparent and clear
York’s Alternative History GroupSharing a local perspective on First World War history
through a touring WW1 banner exhibition
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Lessons learned:
Compromise and be flexible
Wiggington Parish
Council
Transforming a cupboard
into a community archive
through professional
guidance and support
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Lessons learned:
Use your community spaces
Poppleton History SocietyDiscovering new ways of using branch libraries to promote
local history
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Lessons learned:
Summary
Listen to new ideas
Be Responsive
Be transparent and clear
Compromise and be flexible
Use your community spaces
Be the link between your organisation and community –
never underestimate the value of a friendly face!
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Challenging community engagement
in the archive sectorOur approach is the subject of PhD study at the University of
York
York: Gateway to History has a legacy, driving community
engagement for Explore and beyond
Are we over-reliant on the case studies presented to us from our
own sector?
Should the archivist seek to behave more flexibly in the
community?
@YorkArchivesUK#gatewaytohistory
Thank YouQuestions/comments?
Sarah Tester
Community Collections & Outreach Archivist
/ExploreLibrariesandArchives@YorkArchivesUK #gatewaytohistory
http://citymakinghistory.wordpress.com
Top Related