Throughout July, Dorset History Centre have been joined by Eve and Caeron as part of our work experience offer for young people interested in learning more about the world of archives. Today, Caeron reflects on his experience with us over the last month…
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My name is Caeron Henly, and I am going into my second year of university at Exeter University (Penryn). I joined the summer work experience at Dorset History Centre with the hopes of learning skills for a future career while understand how preserving History within an archive is achieved. I had previously worked at a heritage site with limited archival materials and really enjoyed the chance to not only catalogue but understand the materials they had, which drew my attention to archives. I also did a module on Everyday Life in my first year which helped look under the surface of documents to find the hidden information about life for the masses, which I felt gave me a really good insight into understanding documents and finding information within them. Therefore, I felt that this placement would go perfectly with my degree course and give me valuable experience for the future.
I found the placement lived up to everything I had hoped and everyone at the centre was super helpful and informative. I got to speak to everyone and find out what they do from preservation (both digital and physical) to community engagement, which was all done with the aim of bettering my understanding of archives and their roles within the structure.
I initially felt nervous about accidentally changing or ruining a document, but the staff helped me overcome these worries and become comfortable touching and moving the documents. This was followed by working with specific collections held at the archives and helping to catalogue them for the public to find. I found this hard but fascinating as I had to give enough detail so that the catalogue online would be accessible without overexplaining.
Digital archiving was very similar as the online photographs need to be catalogued in a similar way, but with different details being highlighted, but on both occasions the team were supportive and gave templates and advice.
My favourite task within the centre was definitely conserving the original documents through photography. We were introduced to the lead reprographics officer at the archive who showed us the technology and method of setting up documents to be photographed for online usage and even allowed us to have a go. I have never done photography before (apart from using my phone) so being allowed to use a professional rig with advanced cameras was very eye-opening. I loved being able to see the methods used for keeping colour continuity and reducing fold lines, something I had never thought about when handling the documents.
The History Centre also arranged for us to go off-site to Max Gate (Thomas Hardy’s home) to experience working at a historic residence. I found this exciting as engaging with the public within history is something I really enjoy doing. The team of volunteers that took me on a tour were so knowledgeable and I was able to link their information to documents and stories I had seen at the centre in their collection on Hardy.
Overall, this experience has given me a great insight into the archival sector and allowed me to meet talented individuals who work together to create an atmosphere welcoming to the public while being hard-working behind the scenes to preserve the archives for the future. I have definitely gained experience and insight into possible jobs available and would advise anyone interested in history who wants experience or information to apply for the placement or inquire further.
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This was a guest blog for Dorset History Centre written by Caeron Henly. If you are interested in the 2026 work experience placement, information will be circulated in spring 2026 about how to apply.