An interview with Miss Joan Charlton, a well-known former headmistress of Queen Mary School (QMS) by our archive volunteers
The archives comprise five collections of material relating to Arnold, King Edward VII School, Queen Mary School, KEQMS and AKS. Each consists of a diverse collection of school records containing all kinds of items as well as pupil files. We have architects’ plans, admissions registers, correspondence, speech day addresses, commemorative albums, school magazines, some text books and pupils’ exercise books, drama and music programmes, photographs, trophies, items of uniform, framed portraits and paintings, pottery, furniture and even a rug. There is always room for more and we welcome the donation of relevant items.
The archives span over 120 years of history. They contain a wealth of information relating to local history and many accounts of social and historical importance, especially with regard to the wartime years and the impact of education on women’s role in society.
A small team of volunteers is dedicated to each archive and is wholeheartedly supported by school. New volunteers to help with cataloguing via the dedicated computer software or with identifying photographs are always welcome. AKS pupils can join the Archive Club to learn about conservation, cataloguing and how to identify items for the new AKS archive. To get in touch: archives@akslytham.com