Last month, the North East Nature Archive (NENA) took part in the Archives and Records Association’s annual Explore Your Archive Week, a celebration of archives and the incredible stories they hold. From 24th to 30th November, each day brought a new theme, and we were delighted to share some of the treasures in NHSN’s collections with you all.
Here’s a look back at the highlights:
Day 1: Decisions
For the theme of ‘Decisions’, we kicked off the week with an 1836 report on a landmark decision that shaped our legacy: the establishment of what would become the Great North Museum: Hancock, as a museum free for all to enjoy. This choice cemented NHSN’s commitment to making knowledge and natural history accessible to everyone. 🏛️
Day 2: Heroes
Tuesday was dedicated to ‘Heroes’, and we turned the spotlight on Grace Hickling, a pioneering ornithologist and naturalist. Her passion for wildlife conservation shone through her work on the Farne Islands, where she was often seen identifying seals using her iconic stick. 🦭✨
Day 3: Tiny
On Wednesday, we marveled at the ‘Tiny’ treasures in our collection including some of George Gibson’s exquisite conch shells from the 1820s. These intricate illustrations are part of a six-volume series acquired by NHSN in 1889. 🐚✨
We’ve also included below some images of the pamphlet that members would have received promoting the purchase of these stunning shells.
Day 4: Huge
Thursday brought the theme of ‘Huge’, and we couldn’t resist featuring one of the most striking items in our archives: John Gould’s Birds of Europe (1837). This magnificent volume contains nearly life-size illustrations of birds 🦅📚
Day 5: Fashion
On Friday we stepped back into 1902 for the theme of ‘Fashion’. We shared a charming photograph of naturalist Frederic Raine and his botanical companions, dressed in the attire of the time and ready for a field outing. Don’t they look marvelous!
Day 6: Mythology
For Saturday’s theme of ‘Mythology’ we highlighted Albertus Seba’s Cabinet of Curiosities (1734), featuring the iconic Hamburg Hydra—a supposed seven-headed sea monster. This legendary creature was later revealed to be a clever hoax, crafted from glued-together snake skins!
Day 7: Disco
For Sunday’s ‘Disco’ theme, we took a playful turn, spotlighting the vibrant hues of Fulton’s Illustrated Book of Pigeons (1870s). These radiant, colorful feathers brought to mind the bold energy of a disco dance floor. While the connection might be a stretch, the joy these illustrations bring is undeniable! 🦜✨
Day 8: Family
Monday’s theme of ‘Family’ shone a light on Mary Jane Hancock, the talented younger sister of John and Albany Hancock. Mary Jane was a gifted artist in her own right, and her stunning sketches and watercolors reveal her love for nature and artistry, a legacy that complements her brothers’ scientific achievements. 🎨✨
Day 9: Animals
We closed the week on a high note with the theme of ‘Animals’. We had a difficult time choosing just one from NHSN’s vast collections to showcase. We decided to go with the weird and wonderful copperplate engravings from John Hill’s A History of Animals (1752).
Final Day: Your Archive
As the week came to an end, for the final theme of ‘Your Archive’, we invited everyone to share their own stories of “Nature’s Cure in Time of Need”. We’re collecting stories about how nature offered comfort to people of the north east, and how it may have helped you through difficult times.
📝 Share your story: Click here to contribute!
Explore Your Archive Week has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage of our collections and the stories they tell. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the treasures of the North East Nature Archive and the wonders of the natural world! ✨