Discover Sandwell Archives as part of Heritage Open Days
Sandwell Archives
are throwing their doors open for a day full of discovery this September for Heritage Open Days. The service, located within Smethwick Library, will be buzzing with demonstrations and activities on Wednesday 11 September (between 10am and 4pm). From world famous pottery and volunteer displays to interactive mapping and family history demonstrations, there will be something for everyone. Visitors will also be invited to learn how to wrap and preserve archive items, as they meet the team and volunteers who care for them.
The service will also be host to the Sandwell 50 Photographic Exhibition created to celebrate Sandwell’s time as a borough, together with items from Sandwell Museums Service’s Ruskin pottery collection. The archives team will be on hand to talk about items created in Sandwell that are famous for their unique designs. Volunteers have been a big part of making the day a success and will be showcasing how they get involved.
Communities will be able to find out how local people regularly participate in plotting family history, navigating historic maps, and cataloguing archive collections. Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Studying history shows us where we came from and how far we have come. But we can only do that thanks to the hard work of Sandwell’s archivists and all the local volunteers who give up their time to help.” “I am really excited that residents and visitors can see the work of these unsung guardians of history and learn more about Sandwell’s past during Heritage Opens Day this year.” Georgia Bould, Archivist, said: “We are excited to showcase our services and to let people know our doors are always open.
Even if they can’t make the event, people can still access our fantastic resources in person, over the phone, or online. “As part of our Archives Discovery Day, we also plan to shine a light on our wonderful volunteers. Volunteers play a crucial role in our service, and have contributed to cataloguing, conserving, and transcribing collections valued by our local community.” “If you are interested in learning more about the fascinating people and places that made Sandwell the borough it is today, then we look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday 11 September.” Sandwell Archives has been operating from Smethwick Library from 1992, is free to access and is open: Monday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Phone: 0121 569 4985 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.