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The National Trust of Guernsey is looking for volunteers to assist in an extensive digital archive project, which will make thousands of items available online for research and preservation purposes.
Work begins with scanning the information sheets that have been filled out on each item in the trust’s possession, to create a digital database.
Volunteers will be assisting with the scanning, naming and copying out of these old documents. Merrie Jee, Manager of the Folk and Costume Museum, says that anyone with an interest in Guernsey’s history will “find something new to think about” while peering through the collection.
“The information sheets tell us about the artefacts in our care,” she said. “This includes the item’s history, who donated it and when, a description of the object, and when and how it was made.”
“Artefacts range from cooper equipment and old Guernsey Marmalade jars, to carriages used to deliver Red Cross parcels and horse gallstones.”
Pictured: Two dresses worn by Olivia De Havilland, the late 'Gone with the Wind' actress with strong family ties to Guernsey, which were on display at the Folk and Costume Museum in late July.
Scanning will also be carried out by staff on top of their usual responsibilities, but volunteers are being sought because of the large amount of work to be done. The new scanner, which was donated by Nashcopy, has online connectivity, which means the work can be done from home if need be.
Once the information sheets are scanned, work will begin on cataloguing the artefacts themselves. This will involve photographing all of the items, including those which the National Trust doesn’t have the room to display in its museums, to create a publicly available database.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer and assist with the National Trust's archival project can contact Miss Jee via email at fcm@nationaltrust.gg to find out more and arrange training.
Pictured top: Folk and Costume Museum Manager Merrie Jee, who is helping the National Trust's efforts to digitise its collection and create a publicly-accessible database.
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