Welcome back students!

25th September 2012

It’s that time of year when the students are returning and a fresh batch of newcomers arrive to begin their university careers. The Hive is currently bustling with students who are visiting to scope out their new university library facilities and all of the other services which share this amazing space. The Hive presents a unique opportunity for students from the University of Worcester to use a variety of sources for their studies – not just the book stock of their old university library.

So, how can Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service help your studies? It’s not all about dusty old history! We offer a wide range of sources that you can use, including:

Original documents such as Police Charge books; diaries of landed families; documents relating to the Workhouse – all of these can be used to inspire Drama performances and add substance and context to the stories you tell. Examples of our original archives being used in theatre can already be seen through past performances, such as Offal Tales by Vamos Theatre and the Martley village community play created through the oral history project Harvesting the Past.

Maps and plans charting the development of Worcestershire, which can be used alongside archaeological records to demonstrate the past use of lands across the city and county.

Worcestershire Photographic Survey – tens of thousands of photographs to provide inspiration for your next art project, perhaps?

Horticultural records, including early bills for plants and flowers. Many of these represent some of the earliest instances of certain species being introduced into Britain.

Teacher training? We have a vast range of original sources that can be used to encourage creative learning. For example, original sources relating to electoral reform can be used to generate interest in ideas around Citizenship.

Are you researching the impact a particular event had on Worcester? We have newspapers dating back to the early 18th century available on microfilm, which can be used to assess the mood and reactions of residents at the time.

If you have a particular project you think we could help with then just pop along to the Explore the Past enquiry desk on Level 2. Our staff will be on hand during our staffed opening hours to give you advice and suggest any resources they think may help your research.

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