Author Topic: Visiting Archives  (Read 2487 times)

Offline ghallen

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Visiting Archives
« on: Thursday 12 January 23 17:10 GMT (UK) »
I am slowly working my way up to being able to try and visit a local archive (I'm agoraphobic but trying to find ways to get myself out of the house).

I was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me what to expect please? I need to know what I should be doing when I get there.

Online rosie99

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #1 on: Thursday 12 January 23 17:22 GMT (UK) »
Have you an archive in mind as someone that has visited may be able to give you advice on that particular one.
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Online BumbleB

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #2 on: Thursday 12 January 23 17:28 GMT (UK) »
I am assuming that you wish to visit your local Archive  :-\  I think that your best start to this wonderful adventure is to look at their website, which will give you a lot of information on the records that they hold and also some idea of what is expected of visitors.  Then perhaps draw up a list of what you want to look at.  Most archive staff are helpful and knowledgeable, and I am sure they will be willing to point you in the right direction.

Enjoy!   ;D ;D
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Offline ghallen

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #3 on: Thursday 12 January 23 17:48 GMT (UK) »
I was looking at visiting this one https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13532041

I have had a look at the records and have a few in mind but I'm worried I'll do something wrong


Online BumbleB

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #4 on: Thursday 12 January 23 17:56 GMT (UK) »
I've always found the staff at the National Archives to be very helpful and they will always point you in the right direction.  Enjoy!

Oops, I haven't visited Cumbria, but I'm sure the staff will be just as helpful.  :-[
Transcriptions and NBI are merely finding aids.  They are NOT a substitute for original record entries.
Remember - "They'll be found when they want to be found" !!!
If you don't ask the question, you won't get an answer.
He/she who never made a mistake, never made anything.
Archbell - anywhere, any date
Kendall - WRY
Milner - WRY
Appleyard - WRY

Offline KGarrad

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #5 on: Thursday 12 January 23 18:11 GMT (UK) »
Garrad (Suffolk, Essex, Somerset), Crocker (Somerset), Vanstone (Devon, Jersey), Sims (Wiltshire), Bridger (Kent)

Offline River Tyne Lass

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #6 on: Thursday 12 January 23 21:43 GMT (UK) »
I can tell you what it is like from my own experience.  Albeit things are a bit different now from pre-covid times.
The archives I go to is in a museum.  We now have to wait at the outer door of the archives as an archives staff member now has to escort visitors in and out of the 'searchroom'.
Once in the archives room each visitor is given a locker to store their things; coat, bag etc.  Pens are not allowed but you can use a pencil, and your own notepad/paper.  I usually keep my Kindle with me too. 
Each person has their own table and their own microfilm reader if this has been requested in advance.  On the table is the items which have been pre-ordered before the visit.  If you don't know how to use the microfilm reader the staff will show you how.  Let the staff know if you are a first time visitor and they will no doubt guide you regarding where to find things. 
I generally find that once people are settled into their own research a kind of excited hush descends and you almost feel oblivious to everyone else as you lose yourself in the past.  I find that time seems to go very fast when you are in an archives so prioritise what you want to see.
I felt a little daunted about visiting the first time I went but I needn't have been as it not hard to pick things up and the staff are helpful. 
I think if you wanted, you could let the staff know about your agoraphobia and discuss things which might make the visit better for you. Such as might it feel better for you to sit nearer to the door, etc?
I hope one day soon you will feel able to go.  It is a very exciting and wonderful experience; do try to take the opportunity to go when you feel ready.
I wish you every success with this. :)
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Offline Biggles50

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #7 on: Thursday 12 January 23 21:59 GMT (UK) »
Become familiar with the Archive website, they are vastly different from searching using the likes of Ancestry so familiarity is a key.

Make a list in your Notebook of what you want to find, do use the Archive database to help compile your list, if you have the references all the better.

See if they have any In Person Tutorials planned and book into one of them.

Now the scary part, if there is a Family History Society in your town join them.  They will have special access to the Archives.  I have been into ours, on a behind the scenes tour.

When you go to the Archive take ID:- photo driving license, Passport, utility bills, bank statement, Council Tax.  Take all these and get a reader ticket, do note that Photo ID is probably a Must Have)

You will find that you cannot take bags into the Archive, just a notebook and pencils (pens are not allowed in my local County Archive) and tablet or laptop.  If you want to take a photo if it is allowed there will probably be a fee.

Good luck

Offline louisa maud

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Re: Visiting Archives
« Reply #8 on: Thursday 12 January 23 22:08 GMT (UK) »
I have visited numerous archives and in the main I found them very helpful, my first one was in Chancery Lane near  Holborn
If you are concerned either email them or ring them and explain your problems and I am sure they will help you, yes, first  visits can be overwhelming  as you don't know where to look next but you soon will, don't worry

LM
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