How are archives a repository of knowledge?
Physical archives aren’t as popular in recent times compared to previous years due to the creation of technology such as phones and computers. This recent technology makes taking photographs accessible and easy for all users. Due to this, photos have become less special and significant nowadays compared to when this technology was not yet created or as accessible, and photographs were seen as very special, important and even expensive to take or own. The Société Jersiaise was founded in 1873 for the study of Jersey archaeology, history, natural history and the ancient language of Jèrriais. The Lord Coutanche Library supports the work of the Société Jersiaise by collecting and preserving material relating to Jersey’s history. Their photo archive contains over 120,000 images ranging from the 1840s to recent day. In recent years, the Societe group has led out an excavation of human and mammoth remains at La Cotte De St Brelade which has helped the population of jersey understand and learn about the heritage of this island and the geographical history. As stated on their website, the Societe main objective is to produce and facilitate research on the Island’s history, culture, language and environment; and to share that knowledge with the widest possible audience for the benefit of our island community. This benefits the islands heritage as it holds old documents of a nearly extinct language of Jerrias, meaning this history will not be forgotten. The Societe offer memberships to the community from £12. By applying for the membership you get permission of access to all heritage sites, regular newsletters, and a 10% discount on books. A large and engaged membership has been crucial to the considerable successes of the Société Jersiaise over many years. Membership is open to all and by joining, it means you would be supporting many activities with your subscription. The archive holds images and documents from historic Jersey photographers. Early photographers such as William Collie, Charles Hugo, Thomas Sutton and Henry Mullins. The archive also holds evidence from the 20th century such as, very valuable images from a rich point of history in Jersey, World War 2.