Community projects
Soldiers’ Stories on Our Streets
Funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, Soldiers’ Stories on Our Streets was a community research project that formed part of the centenary commemorations of World War I. Local people worked with Friends of Medway Archives volunteers at public research sessions to find out about the soldiers of the Great War who came from the streets in which they live today.
The project was inspired by the Friends of Medway Archives (FOMA) De Caville Index. Although well known outside of Medway in research circles, this fantastic resource was under used and little known in Medway itself. In bringing the index to local schools and the community, Soldiers Stories on our Streets was able to link the present to the past in a very visual way.
Two large scale maps were produced, highlighting all the streets in the main Medway towns who lost a serviceman during the Great War. The research sessions also identified previously unknown soldiers whose names now form part of the FOMA De Caville Index for future generations to discover.
Reminiscence sessions
Our friendly and informal reminiscence sessions are for you to share your memories of past Medway. Sessions usually run for about an hour and a half with an opportunity to chat with other participants over tea. Past topics have included memories of working at Wingets and Shorts, pubs clubs and restaurants and your memories of World War II and evacuation.
Friends of Medway Archives
We are actively supported by The Friends of Medway Archives. Members arrange their own events and talks and also volunteer at Medway Archives Centre, helping us with events and special projects.