We've Got History Between Us We've Got History Between Us

In this episode, which is split up into several parts, VOiCE is letting you get to know more about a 5 month internship project that concluded at the Centre for Research Collections at the end of 2021.

Like to read whilst you listen? You can access the transcript for this episode here.

Project One looked at historical connections between Edinburgh City, and Edinburgh University, and transatlantic slavery. For five months, the three interns – Ashlyn Cudney, Samantha Carrie and Nuzhat Torsa delved deep into the Collections and records. The long term aim is to understand what evidence, what narratives and perhaps even what gaps exist in the material the CRC holds because with more of an understanding of the content we hold, the more representation, diversity and understanding can be provided and the more access to relevant resources for research and conversation will become possible.

You’ll be hearing from two of the project interns, Ashlyn and Samantha and from their line manager for the project, Lorraine McLoughlin.

In this episode, VOiCE talks to Samantha and Lorraine about outdated terminology and the ways in which an Archivist can grapple with vocabulary and context. As Part Six develops, Lorraine and Lily discuss how slow research utilizing archival sources can be and how this style of engaging with material can be beneficial from an ethical standpoint.

Want to read whilst you listen. Access the transcript here.

Cover Art by Louisa Grieve // Musical Stings by Chris Murdoch

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FAQ:

What is VOiCE?

We are VOlunteers in Collections Engagement – a group of University students and graduates who are currently volunteering with Edinburgh University’s Centre for Research Collections (CRC) and are looking to share some of our discoveries with you! Find us on social media under voiceed. You can sign up to our Newsletter, read our blog and get updates on the podcast.

What is the CRC?

The Centre for Research Collections (CRC) is made up of the University’s Special Collections and Museums, including rare books, manuscripts, archives, art and historical musical instruments. It encompasses everything relating to the University’s unique and significant collections, including management and access.

What does the CRC do?

Fundamentally, the purpose of the service is to preserve, promote and provide access to the University’s collections. Activities that contribute to this mission include assisting with enquiries, conservation, academic and community engagement, acquisitions, digital imaging, collaborative projects, cataloguing and licensing, exhibitions, research, support and training.

What types of collections are held by the CRC?

At an overarching level, the University’s Collections fall into the categories of rare books and manuscripts, archives, art, digital archives and preservation, the musical instrument collection, the Lothian Health Service Archive, and images produced by the Digital Imaging Unit.

Where is the CRC?

As part of the Library and University Collections area of the University’s Information Services branch, the CRC is located on the 6th floor of the University of Edinburgh Main Library.

For this episode, I ask interns Ashlyn and Samantha to talk about a memorable narrative that they uncovered, or material that stuck with them even after this internship concluded. After five months of researching people’s lives in detail it was important to me that when I sat down with them that we didn't just talk about this material on a surface level. I wanted to hear names, places or important moments for them on this five month journey.

In the second half, the conversation moves on to the concept of detective work, inclusion, useful databases and the confidence required to deal with a complex issue that has become divisive in the mainstream media. This section ends with a discussion surrounding accessibility and the sector based shifts from closed to open door policies. 

Like to read whilst you listen? You can access the transcript for this episode here.

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In this episode, which is split up into several parts, VOiCE is letting you get to know more about a 5 month internship project that concluded at the Centre for Research Collections at the end of 2021.

Project One looked at historical connections between Edinburgh City, and Edinburgh University, and transatlantic slavery. For five months, the three interns – Ashlyn Cudney, Samantha Carrie and Nuzhat Torsa delved deep into the Collections and records. The long term aim is to understand what evidence, what narratives and perhaps even what gaps exist in the material the CRC holds because with more of an understanding of the content we hold, the more representation, diversity and understanding can be provided and the more access to relevant resources for research and conversation will become possible.

You’ll be hearing from two of the project interns, Ashlyn and Samantha and from their line manager for the project, Lorraine McLoughlin.

We've Got History is brought to you by Volunteers in Collections Engagement

Cover Art by Louisa Grieve // Musical Stings by Chris Murdoch

Get to know intern and PHD candidate Ashlyn Cudney! We chat all things Scottish history; early modern Scotland; gender; nuanced language; archivist responsibility and the joys (or setbacks) of working from home.

Ashlyn Cudney is a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh studying early modern history. Her research utilizes quantitative and qualitative analysis to examine the lived experience of social control in seventeenth-century Scottish communities. Ashlyn's research explores the colourful world of female nonconformity, control and disobedience through the lens of crime, discipline, and ecclesiastical and secular bias.

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Easier to read whilst you listen? You can access the transcript to this episode here.

Episode Nine is split into a variety of parts, sections and topics. In it, VOiCE is letting you get to know more about a 5 month internship project that concluded at the Centre for Research Collections at the end of 2021. The undertaking looked at historical connections between Edinburgh City, and Edinburgh University, and transatlantic slavery. 

This internship project was known as Project One – on account of two separate (but connected) projects running simultaneously. It's part of a larger University Histories plan. The long term aim is to understand what evidence, what narratives and perhaps even what gaps exist in the material that the CRC holds. With more of an understanding of the content and time dedicated to the sources, the more representation, diversity and detail can be provided. Not to mention, more access to relevant resources for research and conversation will become possible. You’ll be hearing from two of the project interns, Ashlyn and Samantha and from their line manager, Lorraine McLoughlin.

Get to know intern and recent graduate Samantha Carrie! We chat about growing up in Fife; carving your own research path; the city of Berlin; Dissertation prep; the German architect Karl Friedrich Schenkel; discourse analysis; self education and complex narrative.

At the time of recording Samantha Carrie was a fourth year undergraduate student studying Architectural History and Heritage at the University of Edinburgh. Her interests include Georgian Architecture and visions of Empire in the built environment, specifically looking at how these regimes manifest themselves. Her dissertation research focused on the role of national memory and the Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel in the formation of contemporary Berlin. This coming academic year Samantha is seeking to fulfil her postgraduate offer from the University of Cambridge. Her research will explore how visions of empire informed architectural and urban developments in Edinburgh and Berlin between 1780 and 1840 and VOiCE wishes her all the best with her future studies.

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Easier to read whilst you listen? You can access the transcript to this episode here.

Episode Nine is split into a variety of sections and topics. VOiCE is letting you get to know more about a 5 month internship project that concluded at the Centre for Research Collections at the end of 2021. The undertaking looked at historical connections between Edinburgh City, and Edinburgh University, and transatlantic slavery.

The internship was known as Project One – on account of two separate (but connected) projects running simultaneously. It's part of a larger University Histories plan and took on three interns including Samantha. The long term aim is to understand what evidence, what narratives and perhaps even what gaps exist in the material that the CRC holds. With more of an understanding of the content and time dedicated to the sources, the more representation, diversity and detail can be provided. Not to mention, more access to relevant resources for research and conversation will become possible. For this podcast episode, you’ll be hearing from two of the project interns, Ashlyn and Samantha and from their line manager, Lorraine McLoughlin.

We've Got History is brought to you by VOiCE.

In this episode, which is split up into several parts, VOiCE is letting you get to know more about a 5 month internship project that concluded at the Centre for Research Collections at the end of 2021.

The internship, which took on three interns was known as Project One – on account of two separate (but connected) projects running simultaneously. It's part of a larger University Histories plan. The long term aim is to understand what evidence, what narratives and perhaps even what gaps exist in the material the CRC holds because with more of an understanding of the content we hold, the more representation, diversity and understanding can be provided and the more access to relevant resources for research and conversation will become possible.

Project One looked at historical connections between Edinburgh City, and Edinburgh University, and transatlantic slavery. For five months, the three interns – Ashlyn Cudney, Samantha Carrie and Nuzhat Torsa delved deep into the Collections and records.

Over the coming episodes, you’ll be hearing from two of the project interns, Ashlyn and Samantha and from their line manager for the project, Lorraine McLoughlin. In this episode you'll hear from Lorraine as we get into the details of the project and it's diverse and rich objectives.

Want to read whilst you listen? Access the transcript here.

We've Got History is brought to you by VOiCE - Volunteers in Collections Engagement

Cover Art: Louisa Grieve // Musical Stings: Chris Murdoch