It’s been a while since I posted so here is an update on the past 6 months – time flies when you’re researching!
Since April this year I have been busy with the mountain of reading in preparation for my PhD studies. My research focusses on the women of the temperance movement, which was introduced in the 1870s in Great Britain and the US. The movement grew and women took campaigns far and wide, incorporating political strategies to change attitudes towards drinking alcoholic beverages.
I am finding the research process a little stressful, but I am enjoying the research. To date I have drafted a literature review, introduction and first chapter – my aim is to reach the 80,000 words by the end of 2025, then spend a full year revising and re-drafting/refining. It certainly is a full-on research project.
In other news, the new Staffordshire History centre is now open and on my visit list for the new year. I have a full list of research that I would like to carry out at the centre. In November I will be travelling to Glasgow to present my research at the University of Strathclyde within a symposium of postgraduate researchers. I have opted for a poster presentation until I pluck up the courage to speak to a large audience!
I have been to the archives in London Kew and will write a separate blog about my first experience of visiting the National Archives – watch out in the blog feed on the website for that one!
My volunteering role with the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG) continues to keep me busy during my ‘free time’ with social media management, mentoring and conference planning, but I feel I am developing my skills which will help me to organise and develop my business services going forward – all good experience!
I attended the Kempton Park Family History Show in London and helped on the stand. We had a busy day with lots of enquiries for RQG looking for genealogists to assist in family history research. It was good to meet with my fellow genealogists and colleagues many of whom I have only met online via Zoom! The main hall was full of members of the public all looking into their own research – which proves that it is a growing sector with lots of historical and genealogical interest.
And finally, I visited Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II statue recently. Here she is situated in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire in the Queen’s Gardens, where her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria also has a statue at the other side of the gardens. Quite surreal and moving really. I like that the artist has kept the signature handbag!
Until next time…