All the latest news from the Record Office - forthcoming talks, exhibitions, recent deposits. Please scroll to see the articles below.
Record Office Closure
This is to remind our customers that the Record Office will close on Thursday 17 December 2009 at 4.45pm and will reopen on Monday 4 January 2010, to allow for our annual stocktaking and staff leave efficiency.
Fancy being a Mining Marra?
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help with our new mining heritage project. We have had an overwhelming response to our appeal for help, so cannot, at the moment, accept any new offers to volunteer.
Listen to the Soldier WW2 Oral History Project
Veteran soldiers reveal what it was really like to be an infantryman in World War 2 in this unique collection of sound recordings.
Contact us for further details.
Exhibitions in the Record Office Entrance
Who Do You Think You Are? shows the process of tracing your family tree, based on a real family from Metal Bridge, County Durham. The exhibits demonstrate how to gather information from the available sources and some of the pitfalls to watch out for.
Roma Gypsy Traveller History in Durham celebrates the history of the biggest ethnic minority group in County Durham. Documents on display include photographs of gypsies and their caravans, and the various fairs at which they gather. A parish register from 1592 shows how 'Egyptians' as they were known were persecuted. There are also extracts from a 19th century pamphlet about gypsies.
Guided Walks
As part of the County Council Guided Walks programme, we currently offer two guided 'walks' in the Record Office. On the last Thursday of each month (except December), you have the opportunity to see behind the scenes and find out what we do in 'Your County Record Office', or enjoy hands-on experience of the archives in 'Discover Durham Documents'. The 'walks' last 1½ hours and cost £2.50. Simply turn up at the main entrance to County Hall at 6.00p.m., or
contact us for further details.
