Western Cape archive behind-the-scenes

This is our first time on a Saturday; it is the third visit to the Archive and there will be more, but rarely on a weekend. Our host and leader is Helen Joannides who is in charge of public programmes and outreach at the Archive. (Helen has a Masters in Heritage Studies and in 2010 set up the Western Cape Museum Educator Group.)

The Western Cape Archives have mainly government records spanning 400 years approx. We’ll hear about how the archives have evolved and future plans.

We’ll glimpse the huge holdings, including original documents on slavery at the Cape. Seeing original material and primary sources is very special.  

For the last part of the visit, Culture Connectors who are seasoned researchers can ask archivists in the main Reading Room to assist on a project (please let me know in advance the topic; typically it has been family history). Meanwhile for newbies (which will be most of us), there’ll be a case-study on researching in this amazing, free resource.

R300 paying pre 24 Jan, then R400 per person

To book, get bank details and more info kate@cultureconnectsa.com

072 377 8014

Saturday 3 February 2024; 10am to noon

Western Cape Archives and Records Service, 72 Roeland St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

Free parking at the Archives off Drury Lane – image and map will be part of the briefing sent closer to the time

The Archive is free to visit, best make an appointment beforehand – 021 483 0456

The next Culture Connect here will be on Friday 12 April 2024 which will include seeing the digitisation in progress and visiting the preservation section with a short presentation by Mary Minicka who heads it up – let me know if you are interested, or would like another date later in the year, kate@cultureconnectsa.com