Describe some of your tasks
As I have only been going for a month, I have only started one activity, which is transferring the pauper outdoor relief lists- written in scrawling cursive- into the database. However, I am aware of work other volunteers are doing, such as attempting to understand courthouse records from 1699, and exploring and transferring information from hotel guest books from the early 19th century, such as that of the Regent in Leamington Spa, which was visited by the then President of the United States.
What have you learned?
So far, I have learnt more about this form of office working experience. More specifically, I have learnt about the processes that need to be undertaken to make records useful, which is vital to find out more about the history of an area, and can all be useful in some way as historical sources for study evidence. This was really interesting as I study history and therefore know the value of these primary sources to help historians build up a picture of a time period and place.
How has this helped you?
The work experience has helped me become more at ease with new work environments, which are completely different to school, and therefore I think I will be less apprehensive about this when applying for more work experience. As well as this, it is very interesting work which has encouraged me to ask more questions and think more about studying history at university and potential careers revolving around this subject.