Sound Archive
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
The Record Offices of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire are working together to create a new Sound Archive. It is a unique project with the central aim of giving the public access to the thousands of oral history records from both counties. We aim to:
- Track down all old recordings
- Provide the public with information on and access to the recordings
- Provide facilities to listen to the recordings
- Find ways of using our oral history in the community
- Support and train new or on-going projects
What stage is the project at?
We’ve discovered a wealth of oral history so far – over 1200 recordings in Worcestershire and many more in Herefordshire. Many of these are in recognised collections held by libraries or museums. Others are the work of a few motivated people in parishes or historical societies around the two counties. We’ve also heard from individuals who’ve found old recordings of parents and grandparents in the attic. All are valuable to the new Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sound Archive.
We’re also very encouraged by the discovery of at least nine oral history projects which have either just started, or are just about to start. We hope to be able to support these projects, and to ensure that any new recordings will also be available to the new Sound Archive.
Creating a Catalogue and Directory
Our final aim is to bring all the recordings under one roof, and create an electronic catalogue, so that anyone using the Internet can find the interview they want. This of course won’t happen overnight. We are currently looking into how we will fund the project.
We think many of the recordings are of tremendous value and should be in the public eye as soon as possible. While awaiting the outcome of our grant applications, we are planning to create a ‘Directory of Recordings’, effectively a list of the main collections and where they are held. We hope this will be operational by Easter.
Widening the Sound Archive project
As part of our commitment to widening access to archive material, we are also looking at ways of using recordings in schools and colleges, and in memory recall projects with the elderly. Examples of our programme include:
- Workshops for youngsters combining oral history and storytelling
- An oral history competition in partnership with BBC Hereford and Worcester
- Developing the websites of both record offices
- Increasing access to existing recordings via the Worcestershire Juke Box
- Displays and exhibitions of oral history
- Training days with groups on collecting and using/displaying oral history
How you can help the Sound Archive
Do you know anyone who has made recordings in the past? In order to build up an accurate picture of the extent and scope of oral records in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we need to track down as many old tapes as possible. If you know of any, please get in touch with the Sound Archive Project Officer at the Worcestershire Record Office. We’re interested in one-off recordings as well as collections of interviews and local oral history projects.
Worcestershire Record Office
County Hall
Spetchley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP
Email: Recordoffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Tel: 01905 766352
