stories – Suffolk Archives Foundation

December 2, 2022August 4, 2023

Stories from the Strongroom

As 2022 draws to a close it is a good time to pause and reflect on what a momentous year it has been for the country. This year has borne witness to a Winter Olympics; Platinum Jubilee celebrations; the invasion of Ukraine; three Prime Ministers; the death of our much-loved Queen and the proclamation of a new King.

Suffolk Archives have some beautiful, centuries old material within the collections, but we also collect material created very much in the ‘here and now’. It is important to keep a record of these historic occasions through contemporary collecting.

Perhaps you have kept hold of some documents in recent years that reflect the community around you, or tell of changes to the society in which you live? Why not get in touch and help preserve tomorrow’s history?

Now the Christmas break is nearly here it’s the perfect time to find out about all the activities that Suffolk Archives has on offer. From the popular Ipswich based exhibition ‘Picture Books For All’, to archives inspired Christmas Crafts, Father Christmas, an indoor Christmas Market and some festive themed Escape Rooms – there really is something for everyone.

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023.

October 10, 2020August 4, 2023

Global Events: Suffolk Stories

We are delighted that The Hold has just opened to members of the public with its inaugural exhibition – Global Events: Suffolk Stories. This exhibition explores how the Suffolk community has responded to different international events throughout history. Focusing on the arrival of American service people during the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of WW2, the rising tensions and public messaging of the Cold War period, and the collective community response to COVID-19 during 2020. The exhibition runs from 2 October 2020 to 10 January 2021. Booking is essential. Find out more information here: Global Events: Suffolk Stories

RAF Lakenheath

May 11, 2017May 11, 2017

BBC Radio Suffolk – April 2017

Broadcast on 10 April Lesley talks to Steve Gilbey about Mapping Suffolk’s Stories project. This project recognises the national and international relevance of the Record Office’s collections. It will use the engaging nature of historic maps as a starting point for uncovering the unique stories about the people, places and events of our county, often hidden in the archives.

Map of Orforde

The programme will see the Record Office, aided by the University of Suffolk and a group of teachers, working alongside communities to explore and promote their local heritage to new regional and national audiences.

Some groups will focus on the initial stimulus of historic maps; others in the same locality (including schools) will use the maps and new research to learn more about where they live and create contemporary responses to it.

The project’s results will be available to national audiences through an exciting, interactive mapping feature.

Mapping Suffolk’s Stories will act as the template for a new way of working for the Record Office – delivering outreach and education “out there” in communities, rather than just relying on activities delivered in branches.

It is hoped that the Hold will play a pivotal role in this project.