On 25th July 2024, we took some of our young curators and museum volunteers on a trip to HALS (Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies) in Hertford. We had the opportunity to experience a behind the scenes tour of the archives to learn about how HALS cares for their significant paper-based collections. The group were also able to conduct some of their own research in both the Archive reading room and Local studies library. We investigated various newspaper articles published during the month of our birth.
This provided an interesting cross-section of articles, spanning from the earliest in 1946 to the latest being 2009. This exhibition showcases the work of some of our volunteers and young curators who completed further research and found some interesting objects and information from our museum collection to accompany their articles. Each young curator and volunteer also provided their own insight into why they found their article interesting and why it stood out to them.
We would like to thank volunteer Kerry for her graphic design edits of the articles and young curator Freya for her hard work curating this exhibition. Our Young Curators Education and Volunteer Scheme is open to 15 to 20 year olds. It is a great opportunity for those interested in shaping how we share our town’s history and provides participants with invaluable experience for a future career in heritage, arts and teaching. To register your interest for our next Young Curator’s programme, please email jshepherd@southmillarts.co.uk. The Young Curators project is partly funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
