Introduction to Archival Work at the Schwules Museum – Sophiensæle | Independent Theater in Berlin
Introduction to Archival Work at the Schwules Museum
Nesterval’s Eldorado makes queer history something you can step into and experience. Archives, too, are an important place where this history becomes tangible. This workshop introduces research and archival work with the collection of the Schwules Museum. We begin with a short introduction on the questions of what functions an archive has, what makes our archive special, and how it is organised. We also offer a small insight into the history of the collection, including an overview of the finding aids and the thematic collection. Then it gets practical: in small groups, participants can try archiving for themselves. They receive a “mixed box” and sort articles, flyers, and other materials. After a short break, we switch perspectives and present research strategies and possible finding aids. In small groups, participants can use the finding aids to research a small research question of their own. Finally, we go into the archive together and retrieve some of the materials. Together, we then share our experiences of archiving and researching.
In simple words
In this workshop, you get to know the archive of the Schwules Museum. Queer history is collected and organised there. You try out for yourself how archiving works and how to find things in it.
Speakers: Romain Pinteaux (Research Associate, Archives, Schwules Museum), Leah Fot (Research Intern, Archives, Education, and Outreach, Schwules Museum)