International Archives Day is celebrated every year on the 9th of June. It is an opportunity to recognise the value of archives in preserving our history and identity.
Why Celebrate International Archives Day
International Archives Day is important because it celebrates history. Archives are more than just boxes of old documents gathering dust, they hold the stories of our ancestors, our communities, our institutions, and even our everyday lives. In addition, archival documents show how decisions were made, who was involved, and what really happened.
Archives offer real encounters with the past from reading a century-old school logbook, studying a minute book from a church or institution, or tracing the names of previous homeowners.
The Value of Archival Documents for International Archives Day
On International Archives Day, we celebrate the importance of preserving archival documents for future generations. These records are important in several ways:
Research
Firstly, archives are essential for research. From academic studies to community heritage projects, they are an irreplaceable source of information. They are often the first place researchers go to find the facts behind historical events or individuals.
Communities
Secondly, archives help tell the story of a place and its people. Archival documents have been used to highlight the experiences of groups that are often overlooked or under-represented.
In both Scotland and Wales, archives also play an important role in protecting the nation’s language, culture, and identity. As a result, they help people understand where they come from.
Ourselves
In addition to their public value, archives can also have deep personal meaning. Many people turn to them to learn more about their identity, who their ancestors were, where they lived, and what they did.
TV shows like the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? have sparked a surge of interest in family history. They show how powerful it can be to uncover the stories hidden in old letters, faded photographs, and forgotten documents, often found in archives.
As a professional genealogist and a member of ASGRA (the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives), I spend a lot of my time in Scottish archives, they are like a second home to me. Archival records are at the heart of everything I do.
International Archives Day Is Not Just for One Day
Of course, archives should be celebrated every day, not just on the 9th of June. You might be surprised at just how many ways archives touch our lives. Here are just a few:
- Understanding Education: Old school admission registers and logbooks reveal what life was like in the classroom decades ago, and how education has changed. You can find these records at your local archives, such as the Edinburgh City Archives or Stirling Council Archives.
- Looking at the Land: Similarly, historic photographs and maps show how a town or landscape once looked. This is especially valuable for planners, environmental researchers, or anyone interested in the history of a town or an estate.
- Tracing the History of a Property: If you have ever wondered who once lived in your house, then Sasine records at the National Records of Scotland or entries in the Land Registry are some of the resources that can help you find out. Alternatively, get in touch and I can help research the history of your house.
- Exploring Health Records: Furthermore, archives such as the Lothian Health Services Archive and Scotland and Medicine preserve a wealth of medical history. Their records can help trace an ancestor’s illness or understand how healthcare has evolved across Scotland over time.
- Enjoying Exhibitions: Finally, archives are not just for research, they also host exhibitions, making archival documents more accessible and engaging. The Mitchell Library in Glasgow regularly features exhibitions, and the National Records of Scotland is currently showcasing The First Panorama of Edinburgh, drawn in 1788. It is well worth a visit!
Archives Belong to Everyone
In conclusion, International Archives Day reminds us that archives are for everyone, not just for historians or researchers. Whether you are exploring your family history or investigating the history of your local area, there is something in an archive waiting to be discovered.
So, let’s celebrate International Archives Day!
Thank you for joining me on a journey into the archives.
Good luck with your research.
Until my next post, haste ye back.
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