Well, I've survived day 1 of the new family history exhibition ... and we had around 30 visitors which is a great start.
Here's an outline of what there is to see in case I can tempt anyone along:
-- an introduction to all the basic sources (civil registration, census, parish registers, wills, etc.) with local examples. -- all sorts of other records, e.g. hospital records, newspapers, directories, military records, poor law records ..... -- examples of archives from the Museum's collection showing what sort of genealogical gems there can be even in tiny museums. -- displays of photographs, letters, military cap badges and more -- features on the meanings of surnames and on changing fashions in first names -- info on record keeping -- a research corner with copies of local parish registers etc. on microfiche and the National Burial Index (2nd edition) on computer -- a great Oliver poster from Shane, summarising some of the fascinating discoveries he's made over the last year. It should give people lots of ideas about what sort of records are out there and hopefully will recruit some new people to the message board. -- lots of books ... comfy chairs ... and even tea/coffee if you ask nicely!
I'll be around as much as work permits, attempting to answer questions. Do come along if you're near enough Witney. I have keys to the Museum so could open it up one evening if you think it would be a good venue for an Oliver mini-reunion.
OK, I think that is enough about the Museum ... hope to meet some of you in person over the next few weeks...
As Shane is too modest to have mentioned it, let me tell the other members that our multi-talented webmaster designed the above poster. I think it looks great, so thank you Shane ... now I just have to keep working on the exhibition material so it lives up to the poster!
Thanks also to Shane, it is planned to have a feature in the exhibition about the Olivers, as a sort of case study showing what fascinating material can be found to put flesh on the bones of the family tree.
I will post an update a little nearer the time when the exhibition content is finalised.
Just to avoid any further shameless feelings regarding the the next Exhibition, a topic close to all of our interests by the way, herewith is is your snazzy promotional poster!
Hopefully some Oliver hunters may find there way down to the museum.
This is a shameless (but Oliver-related) plug for Witney & District Museum where I happen to be a volunteer.
From Wednesday 17th June for nine weeks there is an exhibition here about village life. I haven't been involved in organising it at all but have had a preview today as the new exhibition takes shape. I've already spotted THREE Oliver links:
(a) A photograph of an Oliver's coach with a group of people ready for an outing. Behind them is a pub which I think is probably the Three Pigeons on Woodgreen in Witney (the sign has three birds on it, at least). There's a driver on the bus -- is he an Oliver, I wonder?
(b) A photograph of Oliver's Garage - I would guess quite soon after it started up, to judge from the cars parked nearby.
(c) Two paintings of Hanborough Mill in the early twentieth century (see the thread on "R.E. Oliver at Witney Grammar School" for details of John Joseph Oliver's connection with the mill.
There's still more stuff to arrive before the exhibition opens, so there may be more!
Do come, if you live near enough, and come and say hello to me if I'm around.
Jane
PS: opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.; admission charge £1.50. (End of commercial break!)
