2021 has been another challenging year for the archives sector. Archives services have adapted, innovated and found new approaches to engaging with their communities and stakeholders. The National Archives has continued to deliver on the themes of our strategic vision, Archives Unlocked, and to support the sector as archives have welcomed back researchers and explored new opportunities.
As services have transitioned to new ways of working, this edition of A Year in Archives is a testament to how archive services the length and breadth of the country have built resilience and delivered projects and initiatives that connect with audiences, establish trust, and demonstrate the crucial role and importance of archives in our society.
Dr Valerie Johnson
Director of Research and Collections
This year we continue the success of our online edition of A Year in Archives, as well as returning to print for 2021, to showcase the fantastic achievements of the archive sector. It feels like archives across the country have managed to accomplish even more than usual this year, despite the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in our lives.
We’ve been delighted to see new Archive Service Accreditation applications, while interest is as high as ever in running projects with the support of our grant programmes Archives Revealed and Collaborate & Innovate. It’s clear that archives are continuing to develop their collections and to think creatively about opening up their services to as many people as possible.
Emma Markiewicz
Head of Archives Sector Development
Banner image credit: Southbank Centre