By Anissa Emenike, English Student and Churchill College Summer Bursary Student 2026
I am surprised by the scope of archival materials I was able to engage with in just eight weeks, and even more surprised by the diverse range of materials contained within the Churchill Archives Centre.
One of my primary tasks was the creation of subject specific research guides, an idea I came up with once I quickly realised that the contents of the archives exceeded my expectation. This allowed me to spend a lot of time with the archival materials and find myself getting lost in humorous diary entries or the worlds of ex-diplomats. I discovered so many avenues for research, from personal ephemera to political oratory, that I am not at all surprised by the familiar faces of recurring researchers in the reading room.
Working with an archivist on cataloguing the newly received papers of MP Harriet Harman was inspiring and insightful. I immersed myself in the work of an archivist, learning how to make notes that were both concise and comprehensive enough for future researchers, and I also became absorbed into the life and achievements of the pioneering figure, inspiring generations of female leaders within Parliament.
I also got to experience the more public-facing aspects of working with archives. This included holding various exhibitions in the reading room for different societies, conferences and college guests. I also helped out at the stall for the Churchill College Open Day for prospective students. Like the research guides, this was another opportunity to showcase the variety of archives in the centre, and to expand public awareness of what the archives contained.
Working at the Archives Centre let me familiarise myself with many remarkable minds that ended up featuring in my online exhibition: The Interdisciplinary Archives. Speaking with staff at the Churchill Archives Centre also expanded my knowledge of work within the sector as I spent a lot of time with the registrar, conservation team, production team, archivists, records managers, college archivist, digital archivists and assistant archivists. This opened up conversations around loan requests, correspondence with overseas museums and galleries, curatorial work, handling practises, digitisation, social media and outreach.
These conversations, alongside the opportunities to engage with the public and take trips to explore other archives such as at Cambridge University Library and The National Archives, provided me with a well-rounded, productive and enjoyable experience of working within the archives sector.
