The rich history and heritage of Granton and its surrounding areas are at the heart of our recent initiative and efforts to transform our archive. The Arc project at granton:hub is bringing to light the fascinating stories and cultural wealth of our community. As we delve into our extensive archive, we're uncovering a diverse tapestry of local history that spans centuries and resonates with contemporary issues.

Arc focuses on both preserving documents and sharing Granton's history. Our archive is a treasure trove of local knowledge and history, with materials dating back to the 18th century. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from women's heritage to LGBTQ rights and anti-racism campaigns. The collection also includes records of community efforts to improve the area, such as campaigns against inadequate housing and initiatives to prevent the closure of local schools and hospitals.

Currently, the project is in a key phase of development. The main objective at this stage is to complete the archive registry, a comprehensive catalogue of all materials in the granton:hub's collection. This documentation and organisation work forms the foundation for the project's goal of making the archive accessible to the public. Once finished, the registry will be uploaded to a digital platform, allowing researchers, community members, and history enthusiasts to explore the historical resources available at the granton hub.

 

Mr Alan Fisher, a local volunteer and archive enthusiast, plays a significant role in this effort, alongside his knowledge of the area which has been invaluable in cataloging and providing context for the materials in the granton:hub's collection. Alan is the latest in the line of local volunteers working on the archive. His involvement embodies the project's emphasis on community participation contributing his local expertise in the process of historical preservation. As the registry nears completion, the project team is preparing for the next phase: digitisation. This step will involve scanning and photographing items in the archive, from documents to larger artifacts. The aim is to create digital copies that can be accessed online, increasing the archive's accessibility. This process will preserve fragile historical materials and expand the archive's reach. 

The long-term vision for the Arc extends beyond preservation. granton:hub at Madelvic House hosts community events, including local history tours, workshops, and art exhibitions. The digital archive will enhance these activities, providing a rich historical context and inspiring new community-driven initiatives. This synergy between the archive and ongoing events will create a dynamic, living resource that continually engages and educates the community. Making the archive accessible is a crucial step in preserving the area's history and maintaining granton:hub's role in the community. We hope that the digitised archive will serve as a resource for future events, educational programs, and community initiatives, and will offer local residents opportunities to explore their heritage and inspire new projects.

As Arc progresses, it connects Granton's past and present, creating a resource that will educate and engage the community in the years to come. We believe the archive is a 'living thing' and we are always looking for materials that illustrate a piece of North Edinburgh's history.

 

For any question about the archive, please contact community@grantonhub.org