Popular Politics Volunteers - January 12th 2012
We all see a new year as the opportunity to start afresh: it might be the time to begin that diet; clear out the cupboards; give up smoking, or for some people, the push they need to take up a new hobby. With this in mind, the Popular Politics Project has just the thing for those with an interest in local history.
Dozens of people from across the North East are already engaged in activities to investigate and map events but there’s room for so many more to get involved according to regional co-ordinator John Charlton.
“There is a wealth of information in libraries, public archives, museums and even private hands about public people and events, and our aim is to collate it, create a database and produce publications so that others might have easier access to it.”
But it won’t all be desk work, according to John.
“Part of the job will be to find, record and transcribe personal narratives of living participants involved in political parties, movements and campaigns too. We’ll be offering training in oral history techniques as well as research methods so even complete beginners can get involved.”
It’s inevitable that some research will take place in public archives in Durham, Tyneside and at Northumberland Archives based at the Woodhorn museum in Ashington where staff are delighted with the project.
“We’ve half a dozen regular archive users carrying out research for this project,” explained Head of Collections, Sue Wood. “Whilst many of our regular visitors are looking into family history, we have so many other records and documents, so it’s wonderful to see what the Popular Politics Project volunteers are coming up with.
One volunteer, Peter Nicklin, was looking into Parliamentary Reform and the circumstances that led to it. His investigations included delving into a box from Morpeth Town Hall. He was thrilled that not only was the information in it useful, but that he uncovered in excellent condition, an 1826 General Election silk banner bearing the words “Beaumont Forever”.
“This is a great opportunity for someone who’s interested in history but maybe exhausted their family tree,” said Sue. “Not only will they be exploring some fascinating topics including working lives, politics, migration and leisure, but they’ll be helping to make the information accessible to a much wider audience.”
The project has been made possible thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Co-operative Membership, and more details can be obtained from John Charlton on 07761 818384 or by emailing: ppp@nelh.org