Portsmouth Guildhall wants your memories

As part of its Discovering the Guildhall history project to preserve people’s memories of the Guildhall and the historic events which surround it for future generations, the Guildhall has created a fun memory booth based on an original recording studio, which people can step inside and record their memories to be included as part of a digital archive and potentially major exhibition which is to be launched in January 2020.

The venue has received a fantastic response so far to a call-out for memories but it is hoped the booth will capture some more recent and quirky anecdotes from those visiting throughout the busy Autumn season and allow people wishing to add their memories in a more informal way to pop in at a time that is convenient to them.

Located on the ground floor, next to the Guildhall’s Square Kitchen café, people are welcome to visit the booth whenever the venue is open to non-ticket holders Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Opening times may be restricted by events so people are advised to check availability in advance by calling 023 9387 0200.

Memories shared to date include those of the legendary concerts people have seen, prices they have paid, funny stories and their personal connections to the building.

Doreen Fay (nee Hicks) recalled a memory from 1956 of her dad who was a bricklayer foreman who had been working on the rebuild of the Guildhall following WWII, “I was living in Malta at the time and the only communication we had was by written letter. One night I dreamed that my dad had had an accident, but I put it to the back of my mind as a bad dream. Four days later I received a letter to say my dad had fallen down a lift shaft on the site…” Doreen’s full memory is available to view online and will be part of the project.

Funded by the Heritage Fund, the project has developed a network of volunteers to create a digital archive, two short documentary films and a major exhibition which will be launched at Portsmouth Guildhall in January 2020 and more opportunities are now available for Oral History Timed Summary and Archive Cataloguing Volunteers.

Full details of the voluntary opportunities are available online and Project Manager, Nicola Peacock, would welcome applications from both those with experience or who are willing to learn, with opportunities available that can be completed remotely or at the Guildhall.

For more information about any aspect of the Discovering the Guildhall project, volunteering or if you have items you would like to share please contact Project Manager, Nicola Peacock on 023 9387 0193.

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