Making Histories

"We were placed at Stevenage Museum due to a university module, which was called Making Histories. The first time we both visited we were given a brief tour around the premises, and introduced to all the staff."

We were both tasked to do different activities relating to the Talking New Towns Project organised by Grete who was the head of the project.

The first day Luke helped produced a timeline, throughout the rest of the placement he looked newspaper clippings, scanning them and seeing if they were suitable for the website.

The first day Lauren came to the placement she had to help Grete listen to an interview, and help edit it to put on the website. Throughout the rest of the placement this was what I had to do. Eventually putting some work up on the website, which was of a man called Mr Richard Edleston.

When we were both on the placement together, we had to go on a walk around Stevenage, using a special route that the Museum had created, which was then put onto an app which had to be downloaded.

While we were both here, we had the pleasure of the BBC coming in to look at the New Towns’ Project. This was a manic day, but also very exciting because Twiggy was coming in to present the show and also many interviews were taking place. This was something neither of us had ever experienced before if we had never come to Stevenage Museum.

Luke’s Overall Experience

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Stevenage Museum, the work was quite monotonous, but it was very interesting at the same time, and all of the staff were very friendly and approachable.

Lauren’s’ Overall Experience

I really enjoyed my placement at Stevenage Museum. The people were so lovely and really helpful and approachable. Being at the Museum opened me to experience different avenues. I have never had to transcribe interviews before coming here, I have also never had to use technology that I have here before either; such as Audacity, a scanner, and WordPress. The experience has really opened my eyes into the world of public history and where my degree could potentially take me. I would just like to thank Grete and Jo for having me and making my experience here so joyful and worthwhile.

Written by: Lauren Faires and Luke Senior