Unearthing Family Histories - An Introduction to genealogy by Laura Alston
Wednesday 18 April, 6 – 8pm
A Salon ‘19 Event
Free & open to all
Drawing on the familial themes present within Joy Labinjo’s practice and her current solo show in the gallery – ‘As We Were’, Bloc Project’s is hosting an Introduction to genealogy workshop developed in partnership with the artist and led by local historian and research student Laura Alston. Over tea and cake, Laura will cover the basics to unearthing your own family’s history, sharing useful tips and sources. The session will also be an opportunity for guests to share their own unique family histories.
Laura Alston is a PhD student at the University of Sheffield. Laura’s research focuses the history of emotion, society and culture. Her work undertakes detailed analyses of the language used by women to produce micro-studies of individuals and small communities. Laura also works as a public historian in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, including as a lead researcher on a Heritage lottery funded project Unravelling the Tinsley Court Rolls in collaboration with the University of Sheffield and Wessex Archaeology, as well as a Community Covenant funded project Sheffield Voices in WW1 for Sheffield Cathedral.
Laura has also been lead historian on a Heritage Lottery Fund project in collaboration with Kidology Arts CIC entitled The Derbyshire Stokers Project, researcher for An Open Ground exhibition at Bloc Projects in Sheffield and Project Officer for the Tinsley Time and Travel HLF funded project. At the moment Laura is working on the HLF and South Yorkshire Community Foundation project A Better Life in Lowedges and has just finished teaching a WEA course on ‘Researching your Family Genealogy’.