Archives Revealed, a partnership programme between The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has recently awarded 12 cataloguing grants and its first ever consortium grant to archives across the UK. This exciting development is set to unlock collections and build the necessary skills to preserve and share our nation’s rich history.
The grants, totaling over £300,000, will support a diverse range of projects, from cataloguing and digitizing collections to training staff and volunteers in preservation techniques. This will not only make these valuable collections more accessible to the public but also ensure their long-term preservation for future generations.
The National Archives, the official archive of the UK government, is committed to preserving and sharing the nation’s history. However, with over 11 million records in its collection, it relies heavily on partnerships like Archives Revealed to help make these records accessible to the public. The Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund have all joined forces with The National Archives to make this possible.
One of the highlights of this year’s grants is the first ever consortium grant, which has been awarded to the Scottish Council on Archives (SCA). This grant will support a collaborative project between the SCA and six Scottish archives, including the National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Catholic Archives. The project aims to improve access to the archives’ collections and develop a training program for staff and volunteers.
The remaining 12 grants have been awarded to archives across the UK, including the London Metropolitan Archives, the John Rylands Library in Manchester, and the National Library of Wales. These grants will support a wide range of projects, such as cataloguing and preserving the records of the British Red Cross and digitizing the archives of the Royal Society of Literature.
The impact of these grants goes beyond just improving access to collections. They also provide vital training opportunities for staff and volunteers, helping to develop the skills needed to care for these valuable records. This is especially important as many archives face challenges in preserving their collections due to limited resources and funding.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund, one of the partners of Archives Revealed, has highlighted the importance of these grants in unlocking hidden collections and making them more accessible to the public. Ros Kerslake, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated, “These grants will help to uncover untold stories and celebrate the diverse history of the UK.”
The Wolfson Foundation, another partner of Archives Revealed, has also emphasized the significance of these grants in preserving our nation’s heritage. Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said, “These grants will support the vital work of archivists and ensure that our nation’s rich history is not lost.”
The Pilgrim Trust, the third partner of Archives Revealed, has also expressed their enthusiasm for these grants. Rebecca Pow, Heritage Minister, said, “I am delighted to see the Pilgrim Trust, The National Archives, and other partners come together to support this important programme. These grants will help to protect and share our diverse history and ensure that it is accessible to all.”
The impact of these grants will be felt not only by the archives receiving them but also by the wider public. By making these collections more accessible, Archives Revealed is helping to uncover hidden stories and shed light on different aspects of our history. It also provides opportunities for people to engage with their local heritage and gain a better understanding of their community’s past.
In addition to these grants, Archives Revealed also offers training and guidance to help archives develop their skills and improve their collections’ care. This support is crucial in ensuring the long-term preservation of our nation’s history.
The success of Archives Revealed is a testament to the power of partnerships and the importance of preserving our heritage. With these grants, we can look forward to discovering new stories and gaining a deeper understanding of our past. As the saying goes, “the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.” Thanks to Archives Revealed, we now have the opportunity to explore and learn from that foreign country, and for that, we should all be grateful.
