Discovery!: the archives of medicine, science and technology

In Spring 2010 Derbyshire Record Office will be launching a new and exciting series of free events exploring and celebrating Derbyshire’s links with the worlds of medicine, science and technology.

Through talks, displays and workshops we will be delving into the wealth of collections held at the Record Office and showcasing a wide variety of fascinating archival treasures.

Discovery! is Derbyshire Record Office’s contribution to the Archive Awareness campaign for 2010 www.archiveawareness.com (opens in a new window).

There will be a single over-arching theme for each month: March – medicine, April – science and May – technology. 

Within each theme there will be topics relating to Derbyshire individuals and businesses of importance and the resources held at the Record Office which relate to them.

Individuals featured will include Florence Nightingale, Erasmus Darwin and companies such as Rolls Royce and engineering firm Bryan Donkin and Co.

Examples from our collections will be on display and through workshops we will be unlocking the research potential of these collections and their ability to help us gain a deeper understanding of the contributions and developments made to science, medicine and technology by Derbyshire people and businesses.

For example, did you know that during the 17th century nutmeg and walnuts were thought of as “cures” for the bubonic plague? Or that the tubes for ‘Smarites’ sweets were created by a company based in Chesterfield?

Join us on our journey as we explore the fascinating and often unexpected items in our collections.

There really is something for everyone!

Our events are free but spaces are limited and booking is advisable.

In order to book call our search room on 01629 538347.