During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever to stay connected with your loved ones, whilst observing the government led social distancing guidelines. We hope Archives+ can help you to do this by publishing our popular memory boxes online which can be used as a starting point in discovering your family history, find out what their childhood was like, look back at the area where they grew up, discover their fondest childhood memories and maybe uncover some hidden gems in your family’s story.
Whilst children are off school and many adults are at home, why not take this opportunity to find out about those important stories thus ensuring this history is passed on to the next generation which can often get lost or put off for another day as we lead our busy lives. Sharing memories of days gone by can bring families closer together, listening to elderly relatives can be a comfort for families as they gain an insight into their life stories.
Each week Archives+ will publish a memory box for an area in Manchester, starting this week with our archives covering Withington. Below you will find a collection of images from Withington, alongside 6 worksheets. The worksheets are set around 6 themes: Industry, Place, Health and Living Conditions, Pastimes, Radical Thinking, Communities. Using the worksheets as prompts to start up a conversation, write down your findings on a piece of paper, or if you prefer type into a tablet or PC.
In addition to this blog, the online memory box will be published on the Archives+ Facebook page. Dig out your old photos too, these can also be a brilliant resource to trigger fond memories of family times. We encourage you to share your findings on social media, either as comments on our Facebook page or on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ArchivesPlusMemorybox
Instagram manclib_archives
Twitter @archivesplus
Facebook @archivesplus
If you are unable to share your photos and stories online, when the libraries reopen bring copies of your family memories into your local library. In the coming year we will produce an exhibition in your local library of selected submissions, shared both online and in person.
Please make sure that if you share any information with us that the person you have spoken to is happy for you to share it with Archives+. When sharing your findings try to avoid sharing too much personal information such as surnames and date of birth as these details can identify your loved ones.
Resources:
Unlocking Your Sound Archive have produced a blog about conducting oral history interviews with family members.
Manchester Local Image Collection
Archives+ Flickr
NSPCC Staying safe online guide for children.
Age UK Staying safe online guide for older people.
We hope you have enjoyed looking back at the photographs of Withington. More areas will be covered each week and if you would like to see more images, don’t forget to check out the photograph albums on Flickr and the Manchester Local Image Collection .
manchesterarchiveplus.wordpress.com 
Loved looking at these old pictures of Withington. I was born in Ladybarn in 1950 and left Manchester in 1966. Very happy memories
This is a very helpful resource thank you. Really interesting how similar our community projet is, Stories of Our Lives. A group of us have transfered this project to an online blog too since the virus. https://storiesofourlivesnow.org/
I love this idea I lived in wythenshawe this would be nice for me as I grew up there most of my relatives are dead know and I dont have photos but it would be good to look at the old wythenshawe as I have found memories of this.
Hi Lesley, the Wythenshawe online memory box is now available.
Loved looking at these withington pictures,I was born in parsonage road withington lovely memories