Education Programmes

Education programmes

The Western Cape Archives and Records Service offers the following education programmes to schools, tertiary institutions and community groups:

1. Archives Awareness presentations

This presentation is to raise awareness about the Archives and the importance of our documentary heritage. It takes about 45 minutes but can be tailored to the time available. 

Depending on time and interest, the presentation can include:

• What are archives 

• What are primary and secondary sources

• Examples of the records held at the WC Archives (the oldest Archives repository in South Africa)

• Example of how records are used by researchers

• What archivists do and possible career paths as an archivist

• How does one do archival research 

• “Cape Town: Then and Now Photo Card Game”- a hands-on matching game using archival and modern photos of the same places in Cape Town. It invites the question: What can we learn from archival photos as a historical source?

2. Behind-the-scenes tours of the Western Cape Archives 

Take a peek at the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Archives, breathe in that “old book” smell, and meet the archivists at work.  

The tour can include:

• Viewing exhibition in the foyer - theme changes every month.

• Look at where we store various records – documents, maps.

• Visit to the Digitisation Unit – state of the art scanning machines used to digitise fragile records.

• Visit to the Reading Room where the public can do research.

• Visit to the Preservation Section which repairs damaged records. 

• Look at selected original documents of interest to the group (please communicate your interests on booking).

• Archives Awareness presentation (see above) before the tour. 

3. Unboxing the Past: Researching Cape Slavery for Grade 10s

This programme links specifically to the Grade 10 CAPS Curriculum. Learners are introduced to the process of doing historical research using primary sources related to slavery at the Cape in a hands-on learning experience. 

See flyer for more details. 

All programmes are:

• Offered all year round, either at your location (except the tour) or at the Archives, 72 Roeland Street, Cape Town (own transport required). 

• Free of charge. 

• Can be customised to meet your needs.

• Should be pre-booked by emailing helen.joannides@westerncape.gov.za. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Let us know the size of your group, preferred date/s, area of interest and we will work with you to book the best experience for your needs.