Suffolk Local History Council - Local History Recorder scheme

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Local History Recorder Scheme

The Local History Council administers a Local History Recorders Scheme throughout Suffolk. We maintain a network of people in the county to ensure the survival of valuable material for future local historians by:-

	seeing that the present is adequately recorded at local level, and
	being on the look-out for items of historical interest which might be overlooked or lost for ever.

To do this Recorders are asked to note significant happenings in their area, especially the changes going on around them, and also to be on the look-out for older records and to record reminiscences of their area in the past.

In the early days the aim of the Recorder Scheme was primarily to uncover the past. This has gradually changed over the years, and now the emphasis is on recording the present. Recorders need not be experts in historical research, although taking on this work may lead to an interest in that direction. Similarly, local historians sometimes become Recorders because of their interest in the aim of the scheme, that is, recording the present for tomorrow's history.

Recorders are asked to send in a short report at the end of each calendar year, giving an account of activities in their community and the changes which have taken place. The reports are kept on open shelves in the nearest branch of the Suffolk Record Office. When Recorders resign, the material they have collected is deposited for safe keeping with the Record Office in the name of the Suffolk Local History Council.

The names and addresses of Recorders are listed in the three branches of the Suffolk Record Office, and are also available on the internet via the County Council’s InfoLink database.

All recorders do their work voluntarily. Their main task is to record the present and note change as it happens, and they do not normally undertake research for those tracing their family history. Those who would like help with this should contact the Suffolk Record Office or the Suffolk Family History Society. Click on the links to find out about accessing these services, and any fees charged.

The Local History Council provides new Recorders with a Recorder’s Pack containing guide-lines on various aspects of the job. Recorders also receive two Newsletters a year, and have the opportunity of attending an annual Recorders’ Day Meeting. They do not have to be members of the Local History Council. The Honorary Recorder’s Secretary can be contacted at the Local History Council’s office, and would be happy to hear from anyone requesting further information, or interested in becoming a Recorder or Assistant Recorder where a vacancy exists.