Working with archivists to preserve and interpret two centuries of Caribbean records

Summary:

TREE undertook a dedicated archival workshop at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (WSHC). The session focused on the safe handling, assessment and interpretation of original nineteenth century Caribbean documents held within the TREE archive, supported by the expertise of professional archivists.

The Challenge:

The documents within the TREE archive are fragile, complex and varied in form. Accurate transcription and interpretation requires specialist guidance, controlled working conditions and a thorough understanding of archival standards. TREE needed to validate its handling methods and deepen its understanding of how to approach such material responsibly.

TREE’s Role:

Matt spent a full afternoon working alongside WSHC archivists to:

• Review the physical condition of several key documents

• Begin and refine transcription of handwritten passages

• Photograph and catalogue pages for future study and publication

• Discuss best practice for conservation and long term storage

The workshop supported TREE’s commitment to an evidence first methodology for the Ledger of Lives project.

The Evidence:

The documents reviewed included:

• Tobago estate inventories and administrative papers

• Jamaica plantation correspondence and labour records

• Newspaper material from St Lucia and Grenada

Each item was examined page by page to ensure full accuracy for TREE’s ongoing research.

Outcomes and Impact:

The workshop strengthened TREE’s archival capability and reinforced its partnership with WSHC. The session improved the accuracy of TREE’s transcription work and provided new confidence in long term preservation methods. The work will feed directly into education packs, exhibitions and the Ledger of Lives publication.

Next Steps:

TREE will return to WSHC for further archival sessions as additional sections of the archive are prepared for transcription and public interpretation.