The joy of unearthing hidden local treasures

After retiring in 2018, Christine embraced the freedom of having more spare time. Looking for a new routine, she began the search for a fulfilling volunteering position. A friend told Christine about a local history volunteering role at the library, and Christine thought, “This is right up my street.” Little did she know that this role would open the door to a treasure trove of stories waiting to be rediscovered.

From people exploring their own lives to enquiries from across the world, Christine’s work in the archive has helped highlight history. Sometimes it’s hidden in plain sight; at other times, her collaborative spirit has enabled families to find out where their relative’s final resting place is.

The Forgotten Scientist

“One day, a query from the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens led me to discover Amelia Warren Griffiths, an algae researcher from the 19th century. She collaborated with male scientists of her time and became globally renowned, but I’d never heard of her before. Her intricate algae drawings even inspired the design of modern metal lights along Torquay seafront!”

Christine’s discovery has shed light on an early pioneering female scientist, helping to keep her story alive for the public and continuing Amelia Warren Griffiths’ legacy.

The Venray War Cemetery

Christine has found her most rewarding days at work often involve reuniting people with pieces of their past. One such day came when a request arrived from the Venray War Cemetery in the Netherlands.

“They were looking for a photograph of Lance Corporal Henry Holland, who died during WWII. After a local TV broadcast, I met a woman married to Henry’s brother, who had a photo of him. Within a day, his picture was at his grave alongside poppies, 80 years after his death.”

The emotional weight of this enquiry remains one of Christine’s proudest achievements.

Rediscovering Local Memories

Each discovery brings its own joy, like one query from a local woman who remembered being featured in the local newspaper for winning a high jump competition in 1945.

“She told me about it years ago, but I couldn’t find any record. By pure chance, I later came across her picture. At 93, she was thrilled to have that piece of her history back.”

To Christine, local archives are more than dusty books and yellowing photographs – they are her tools for unlocking past memories and stories.

“We have everything from Victorian directories to postcards, theatre programmes, and photos of carnivals, shipwrecks, and floods. Every item tells a story and preserves a slice of history for future generations.”

From small details like what shop once served the local community to where the police station once stood, these archives create a vivid picture of life as it was. Christine works tirelessly to ensure these memories aren’t lost to time.

Volunteers like Christine are the unsung heroes of local history, reminding us that history isn’t just about the big events – it’s about the people, places, and small moments that make up our everyday lives. As Christine says:

“The history of your home and the area around it might not seem important, but it forms part of our collective memory. It’s vital to preserve these stories.”

Christine’s incredible work connecting stories and information to those who seek them is inspiring and shines a light on the importance of local history. Here at Libraries Unlimited, we are grateful to each and every one of our hardworking volunteers like Christine, who make such an impact in local communities and to the wider world.

Why not uncover your family’s story? Start your journey today with library access to Ancestry and explore your heritage!