Well, restoration has started so we thought we would measure the restoration and prompt restorers and decision makers about the Social History that also needs to be restored and protected. While it is fantastic to have the physical history started we all need to be aware that the social history also needs just as much effort as the physical.
What do we mean by social history? A view of historical events seen in terms of social trends.
Over the 173 years of operation Willow Court and all the other names this institution was known by, has a wealth of social history that needs to be told, shared and archived.
We can gather all this history and store it for future generations to understand our history in this context.
Books, audio recordings, photos and film are all mediums that can record these wonderful stories. If you have been told stories from past generations, that is important to share as part of our history.
After a conversation with a New Norfolk resident and business owner earlier this year I recorded a podcast. He told me that he had never worked at Willow Court or Royal Derwent Hospital but what he described to me was a totally integrated community that had a special perspective of the life and times of the Workforce and Patients that called Willow Court home. Ken’s Story and link to the podcast
Please if you are asked to tell your story, check the credentials of the person you are communicating too, ask:
Where is this going to be stored?
Where is this going to be used?
Who is going to listen to this?
Will the recorder of this information be respectful to the sensitive nature of the Social History?
This article can be used as a basis for your decision to communicate your story. Willow Court Living Memory Report
