Outreach

Online maps: Where are they and how can you use them?

There are a number of resources online to be able to view modern and historic maps of Dorset. In this blog we will explain a little about how to access some of these maps and offer some tips on how to make the most out of your searches. Dorset Explorer DorsetExplorer is Dorset Council’s online… Read more Online maps: Where are they and how can you use them?

Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

As Mental Health Awareness Week rolls round again, our Community Engagment Officer, Maria wanted to share a few experiences, reflections and plans from Dorset History Centre.  As you may be aware, DHC cares for the records of Herrison Hospital, formerly the County Asylum. These records have been fully catalogued over the course of the last year, thanks… Read more Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

Archival Types – Title deeds

People often view ‘family history’ and ‘house history’ as two separate endeavours with two distinct end results. In reality, the two are inextricably linked. To attempt to do your house history involves as much searching for the people who lived there as it does searching for the address, or the location. The lives of houses… Read more Archival Types – Title deeds

Armchair Travellers – Maps in a time of lockdown

Gerardus Mercator (1512 – 1594) never travelled very far. Apparently, he was a bit of an armchair traveller, which is most relevant today as, due to the lockdown, none of us can go very far. However, in 1569 he designed the map of the world that we all still recognise today. His principle known as… Read more Armchair Travellers – Maps in a time of lockdown

Archival Types – Manorial Documents

Manorial documents are a rich and under-used source for both local and family historians and are key to understanding life in early-modern England.  Contrary to popular belief most manorial documents are post-medieval and written in English, although the medieval Latin documents often get more attention. Stewards, acting for manorial lords, produced a wide range of… Read more Archival Types – Manorial Documents

How to find Dorset records on Ancestry…

The Ancestry website is usually available free of charge at Dorset History Centre and in Dorset Libraries. During the current situation, when these centres are closed, Dorset Libraries are offering free access to Ancestry to anyone with a Dorset Library card. Other library services often offer this, and you may wish to check for services… Read more How to find Dorset records on Ancestry…

Bookbinding DIY – Piano hinge binding

Whilst the Coronavirus lockdown continues, we have asked our Conservator for some bookbinding activities you can try at home. This is the third of three blogs in which she will show you how to do some book-binding at home… — A part of my job that I always look forward to is running bookbinding sessions. … Read more Bookbinding DIY – Piano hinge binding

Bookbinding DIY – Single Section Pamphlet

Whilst the Coronavirus lockdown continues, we have asked our Conservator for some bookbinding activities you can try at home. This is the second of three blogs in which she will show you how to do some book-binding at home… — A part of my job that I always look forward to is running bookbinding sessions. … Read more Bookbinding DIY – Single Section Pamphlet

Bookbinding DIY – Japanese Stab-Stitch binding

Whilst the Coronavirus lockdown continues, we have asked our Conservator for some bookbinding activities you can try at home. This is the first of three blogs in which she will show you how to do some book-binding at home… — A part of my job that I always look forward to is running bookbinding sessions. … Read more Bookbinding DIY – Japanese Stab-Stitch binding