Do you want to use an archive but have never done so before?

We asked staff from archives across Wales for some top tips for visiting an archive for the first time, here are their answers: archives.wales/?p=3631

📜📜📜 #archiveadvice #archive30

This item from Gwent Archives shows transactions of Tredegar Workmen’s Medical Aid Society, established 1890.

Members paid subscriptions which allowed them access to medical aid.

Aneurin Bevan took inspiration from the society when forming the NHS.

#HealthArchives #Archive30

Many Archives buildings are historically important sites in their own right, such as NEWA in Ruthin, located in a Victorian Pentonville style prison!

Their records are kept in 64 individual cells!

#WorldHeritageDay

This map held by the NLW Archivist is titled “Merionethshire described 1610”, created by the cartographer John Speed.

I wonder if learning how to draw mythological monsters was part of his cartographer training!

hdl.handle.net/10107/1445694

#ArchiveMyths #Archive30

It’s always exciting to see animals in archives.

This photograph from Pembrokeshire Archives / Archifdy Sir Benfro of Charles W. H. Loving and his fluffy companion is from 1908.

It’s sweet to know that wanting to take photos of our fur-babies is not just a modern thing.

#ArchiveAnimals #Archive30

From the modern building of Glamorgan Archives to the centuries old Old Rectory where NorthEastWalesArchives Hawarden are based, archive buildings across Wales differ greatly.

#ArchiveBuilding #Archive30

A Research Guide to Sources for the Study of Minority Ethnic History

We’re very excited to share our new research guide, produced with support from the Anti-Racist Wales Culture Heritage and Sport Fund.

It’s available as a free download from our website bit.ly/3VDvkbg

On this day in 1987 Cardiff Bay Development Corporation was set up by the UK government to redevelop an area of Cardiff to create Cardiff Bay.

These images held by Glamorgan Archives show how the area looked before and at different stages of construction.

On this day in 1895 the National Trust received its first donation of land, Dinas Oleu, a hill above the town of Barmouth, Gwynedd.

The land once had a hillfort, and as you can see from these images from CBHC / RCAHMW, it would have been a spectacular spot for one!

It’s #WorldTheatreDay !

Our friends at the RWCMD Library archives care for The Foyle Opera Rara Collection which includes over 4000 scores across several languages, focusing on the Italian bel canto tradition.

Do you have a favourite opera or play?

💃

On this day in 1647 the Royalist garrison at #HarlechCastle surrendered to Parliamentarian forces.

The castle’s destruction was ordered to prevent the Royalists retaking it. Thankfully these orders were not fully completed, and much of the castle survived.

Images: CBHC / RCAHMW

On this day in 1841 the earliest recorded photograph taken in Wales was produced.

A whole-plate daguerreotype of Margam Castle taken by Rev. Calvert Richard Jones.

This photo has survived all this time and is held by NLW Archivist

library.wales/discover-learn…

It’s #WorldBookDay !

Many archives include books or share buildings with libraries, including some ARCW members like Gladstone's Library

So, a big shout out to the #libraries and our #librarian colleagues!

Ar Ddydd Gŵyl Dewi 1827, agorwyd Coleg Dewi Sant, Llanbedr Pont Steffan, yn swyddogol.

Mae gan UWTSDLib y cynllun hwn o’r adeilad gwreiddiol rhestredig Gradd II*, wedi'i dynnu gan y pensaer Robert Cockerell a phrint lliw sy'n dangos ei leoliad hardd.

On St David’s day 1827, St David’s College, Lampeter, was officially opened.

UWTSDLib holds this plan of the Grade II* listed original College building, drawn by the architect Robert Cockerell and a colour print showing its picturesque setting.

Happy St David’s Day! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

This menu and programme are for a St David’s Day dinner held at Capel Soar, Merthyr Tydfil in 1959. Held by Glamorgan Archives.

Do you have traditional food for St David’s Day?

On this day in 1952 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was designated a national park.

Held by Pembrokeshire Archives / Archifdy Sir Benfro, this map was part of the 1951 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Designation Order.

The park covers a total area of around 240 square miles!

Have you ever visited?

The History Begins at Home project (History Begins at Home) aims to foster personal connection through conversations and reminiscences about personal experiences

Take a look at our latest blog to find out more and discover a few more questions to get you started archives.wales/2024/02/26/his…

Today marks the anniversary of the final day of the 3 Nights’ Blitz.

As a memorial to the Swansea civilians who died during WW2, West Glamorgan Archive Service have complied this list of their names, including where they lived, their ages, and their burial places: swansea.gov.uk/ArchivesBlitz

On this day in 1996 the Milford Haven oil disaster began.

An oil tanker ran aground and leaked oil into the sea, eventually affecting around 200km of coastline.

This event is in living memory, and documents like these held by Pembrokeshire Archives / Archifdy Sir Benfro will enable it to not be forgotten.