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Local History
Introduction
There’s plenty of help around if you’re thinking of setting up a new group or looking to try something different.
- Get in touch! Perhaps you’d like to talk things through?
- Have a look at the miniguides. They provide a quick overview of many activities you could consider, including examples. I hope that they spark a few ideas.
- Check the Online learning events. I arrange occasional talks by experts such as the National Archives which I hope will inspire you and your group.
- All members are welcome to join us at the Local History Interest Groups Online group. Perhaps you cannot access a local history group, or there is insufficient interest? Or can’t get enough local history?
- Or perhaps you would like to invite a speaker to your meetings? Here's the link to a range of history talks and speakers.
About me:
I’ve facilitated my Local History Group for about eight years, experimenting with a wide range of approaches and preferences. There isn’t much we haven’t tried.
My interest in local history grew out of researching my family history, and I wanted to learn more about the town I live in. I love researching, using both online sources and archive documents.
I have collaborated with national and local heritage groups. I write historical fiction and nonfiction.
Local History Miniguides - tips & ideas
Online research archives
Online Research Archives
- heritage hubs & research centres e.g. Scottish Borders at Heart of Hawick
- e.g. University of Edinburgh Centre for Research Collections
- history, heritage and archaeology socs e.g. Community Archive& Heritage Group
- landed estates e.g Argyll Estates at Inverary Castle
- Schools, e.g. Fettes College
- members’ clubs e.g. Glasgow Art Club
- Photographic and audio-visual collections (a selection)
- George Washington Wilson at University of Aberdeen Special Collections
- Capital Collections from City of Edinburgh Libraries, Museums and Galleries
- Tuck postcards online
- National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive (visit at Kelvinhall, Glasgow)
- British Pathé
- British Library oral histories
- SCRAN (subscription or access at public libraries and schools)
- Am Baile Highland History and Culture
- Individual businesses g. House of Fraser (University of Glasgow)
Oil & Gas Archive ‘Capturing the Energy’ at the University of Aberdeen
- Games Commonwealth Games Scotland at University of Stirling Archives and Special Collections
- Theatre Scottish Theatre Archive at University of Glasgow Special Collections
Finding material, help and tips
Use online catalogues, indexes, subject guides
- The National Archives Discovery
- Scottish Archive Network Archives Hub
- National Register of Archives for Scotland (historically significant papers in private hands)
- Online catalogues, indexes, subject and research guides on individual websites
- e.g. Uni of Edinburgh Centre for Research Collections catalogue
Identities