Coram’s Foundling Hospital archive holds a wealth of fascinating and challenging material. The information revealed by records linked to the health and medical treatment of the children throws light on their physical and mental health and well-being, as well as the social conditions and attitudes of the time.

The skills share day is designed to support the work of heritage professionals, teachers, freelancers and facilitators. It will examine how the stories these materials tell can be made accessible and relevant through public engagement activities. Participants will gain insights into the range of material and will share and discuss ideas relating to outreach and engagement to schools, adult learners and academic audiences, including the creation of an exhibition.

The sessions will be led by London Metropolitan Archives staff who have worked directly with the project.

The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Morning The morning session focuses on public engagement and informal learning.

10 - 11am

Overview of the project and its aims

Challenges and opportunities in public engagement

Who are the events for and why are we doing them? Assessing the impact of public engagement and informal learning. What have we learnt and how would we change our practice?

11am

COFFEE

11.15 -11.45am

Displaying the past: Exploring the development of the exhibition and how people relate to lived experience and memory.

11.45am -12.30pm

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Break out activity, discussion and feedback

12.30pm LUNCH

Afternoon

The afternoon session focuses on supported and formal learning.

1.30 - 2.45pm

Encountering archive material: the importance of original items in conveying the story of the past

How can original documents be made relevant to contemporary viewers?

Formal Learning

The value of academic outreach / conferences. What impact did this have?

Working creatively and imaginatively with schools and school practitioners.

2.45pm TEA

3.00pm PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Break out activity, discussion and feedback

3.45pm Close