Having been in post as Dorset History Centre’s Archive Learning Officer for over a year now, I have heard my fair share of gasps and exclamations from pupils entering the archive repositories for the first time. But, for pure creativity, this one has to be my favourite:
“Wow, it’s just like Mr Ollivander’s Wand shop!”
Archives really are like wands!
However, the more I think about it, the more accurate I realise this comparison to be. Like wands in the Harry Potter Universe, each document in the archive speaks to someone differently. A document may sit on the shelf for years without being brought out to the public, until one day it provides the answer that that individual has been searching years for.
Additionally, like the wizarding world is hidden from view, archives are also an underused and overlooked resource, often unexplored by those not ‘in the know’. However, once discovered, archives can often deliver a variety of unique and engaging resources to enhance a topic- be that in the history curriculum or elsewhere.
Echoes of the past
Take the collection of the Bankes family, for example. For those of you unfamiliar with the Bankes family, this Dorsetshire family held vast swathes of land across the county between the 1635 and 1981. These included the estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, both of which were willed to the National Trust in 1981. Whilst those who lived at the properties are long gone, we can still hear their voices echoing through the archive. This might be through William John’s paintings of Ancient Egyptian monuments; or the political writings of Henry Bankes II, who records the abolition of slavery; or even the 20th Century photographs of the Bankes family on holiday in Studland.
These documents alone are enough to inspire and amaze the viewer, not to mention the other 27,000 within the collection! When you consider that this collection doesn’t even equate to 10% of the archive as a whole, you can begin to understand exactly how much material is held at Dorset History Centre.
So why not contact Dorset History Centre and find out how we can help your discovery? Maybe you will find that one document that speaks to you!
Elliott Bailey, Learning Officer
Hello! I am researching the Rawls/Rawles/Rolls family of England, most possibly from Dorset. I hope to visit, but will have to plan for several years in the future.
Hi Ruth,
We look forward to welcoming you in the future, but in the meantime you are welcome to email us any queries you may have – archives@dorsetcc.gov.uk.