Glamorgan Archives is inviting the public to step behind the scenes and discover how hundreds of years of Welsh history are preserved.
The archives, based in Leckwith, Cardiff, will be holding a special event on Saturday 12th September, giving visitors the chance to explore historic documents, discover more about the work carried out at the archives and get advice on researching their own family history.
The archive service covers Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan.
I spoke to Rhian Diggins, Senior Archivist at Glamorgan Archives, about what the archive service does and their upcoming event plans.
“We’ve been around since 1939 so we’ve got quite a long history. We collect old documents that relate to that local authority area that we cover… things like letters, diaries, minute books, photos, maps and plans.”
We preserve them so that they last for as long as possible into the future, and then we make them accessible to anyone who wants to look at them and use them to do research.”
Visitors will be able to explore documents recording hundreds of years of Glamorgan's history, as well as find out more about the fascinating work carried out behind the scenes.
“We’re holding an open doors event, there will be a chance for people to come in and find out a bit more about what we do.”
“We are going to have a display of documents from our collection, some of the treasures from the archives, some things that give an idea of what we hold, and also a few documents that relate to the connections between Wales and America, because this year we’re noting 250 years since the signing of the American Declaration of Independence.”
Visitors will also have the chance to take part in behind-the-scenes tours of the archives. The tours are scheduled throughout the day; however, all places on the tours have now been booked. But there will still be plenty more to see.
Members of the Glamorgan Family History Society will be available to answer questions and help visitors with their own family history.
“Their members will be on hand to advise people who might want to get started on their family trees, or are a little stuck with their family research.”
Two free talks by The Family History Society will also take place, and you do not need to book for these.
At 11:00am, visitors can hear Researching Your Irish Family History, followed at 1:30pm by Online Resources for Welsh & English Family History: Beyond Ancestry & Find My Past. For Rhian, the event is an opportunity to show people that archives aren't just about old documents - they can help people discover more about their own families, communities and local history.
“Come along and see what you can find out about the history of your local area, your family, or anything that you’re interested in.”
The event takes place from 10:00am till 3:30pm, on Saturday 12th September at Glamorgan Archives, Clos Parc Morgannwg, Leckwith, Cardiff, CF11 8AW.
The site is easy to access by train and bus routes, and free parking is available on site.

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