I spent nine days at State Records undertaking a comprehensive program devised by them with an emphasis on the conservation of paper and photographic material and the process of digitisation… I am very grateful to Museums and Galleries of NSW and State Records for providing me with the opportunity to gain such insight into this area and I hope I can pass it on for the benefit of Woodford Academy.

I was mentored for 5 days in label writing,research materials, displays and ascensioning items. I was given sound advice on how to portray a short story regarding items to make them engaging to visitors… I am now able to assist other Volunteers to research items, and how to write an interesting label for an item to be displayed so visitors can read and enjoy.

Volunteers form a vital part of NSW State Archives. Without them we would not be able to achieve the levels of accessibility to the State Archives Collection that is increasing awareness and appreciation of this globally significant collection.

I found the whole experience very rewarding, I learnt many techniques of research and archival practices… I now feel more qualified to do my job at the Braidwood Museum which is Family History Research. I have not come from a Museum or Archival background, so I now feel more confident.

Equipped with this expanded knowledge I am in a position whereby I can share my learnings with other members of the Macleay River Historical Society and in so doing increase the overall competency of the volunteer staff who generously give of their time to facilitate the running of the valuable cultural entity which is the Kempsey museum.