Joseph Paskiewicz on the Trip to Kent History & Library Centre

During our tour to the Kent History and Library Centre, we were able to see first-hand the methods that were used to not only create a large archive of historic objects, but to improve the way the archive operated in order to best preserve these important pieces of historic evidence. It’s imperative that the archives convert many of their most useful artefacts to digital image form in order to preserve them for many centuries to come, especially considering the fragility of many of the objects, as was obvious by the heavily temperature controlled store rooms within which these artefacts preside. Using expensive equipment, such as a £24,000 camera, it is possible for incredibly high definition images to be created of objects that, over time, would simply have decayed and become useful for future generations.

Kent History and Library Centre Reading Room
Kent History and Library Centre Reading Room

In fact, many of these digital images are more useful than the original objects as it’s possible to zoom in and study every miniscule detail of these artefacts, something that is impossible to do with even a powerful magnifying glass. The wide range of artefacts, such as maps, letters, books and other objects and documents provide valuable evidence to historians attempting to gain a greater understanding of Kent’s rich history that simply can’t be gathered by simply reading academic texts and other secondary sources.

  • Joseph Paskiewicz (Year 12, Simon Langton Boys)