ALES Archives and Public History - Part Two (June 2024)
Speakers: Louise Neilson and Hayley Whiting
This is the second part of the Archives and Public History recording, please view part one first to experience the entire event. The sessions consider the impact of public histories and showcase examples of these activities.
Our speakers are:
Louise Neilson: “Connecting Past and Present: The Impact of Creative Workshops on Archive Accessibility”
The Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (LGLS) was a pioneering activist-run health service that provided crucial support to LGBT+ individuals in the Lothians and beyond. As Scotland’s first gay helpline and gay charity, LGLS offered a listening and befriending service, practical information, and advocated for legal and social equality. This talk explores the significance of the LGLS archive and how creative workshops can use archival materials to foster discussions on contemporary LGBT+ experiences, enhance community engagement, and break down barriers to accessing archives.
Hayley Whiting: “RNLI200 – how the archive has been key in the celebration of 200 years of saving lives at sea”
2024 is a key milestone in the history of the RNLI and the archive has been at the centre of preparations and many of the key events to mark the anniversary. Hayley will explore how the archive has been used as an asset by the charity to celebrate, commemorate and inspire the next generation of lifesavers and supporters.