Swansea Events

Explore the link between South Wales and the Jewish refugees of World War 2 at new Archives exhibition

The story of Jewish refugees who came to live in South Wales during the turbulent years before the Second World War will be told in a new exhibition at Swansea Civic Centre.

'Jewish Refugees in South Wales, 1933 -1945', an exhibition by West Glamorgan Archive Service, explores the emotional accounts of the Jewish adults and children who found sanctuary in South Wales after escaping the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Europe and the subsequent contribution they had on the economy and local culture.

The exhibition will be situated in the foyer of Swansea Civic Centre from 10 January to 5 February and is taking place in conjunction with commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, held every year in the UK on 27 January. 

 

Send your friends and family a special Christmas card this Christmas

If you are looking for a special card for a loved one this Christmas then check out West Glamorgan Archive's selection of unique Christmas cards which feature familiar views of Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot from days gone by.

There are 30 distinct designs for you to choose from, each depicting a different scene of the local area.

The cards come in packs of 4 (same design) and cost £2.00 per pack.  Buy them online now or visit West Glamorgan Archive Service in Swansea Civic Centre.

Local history book fair at Swansea Museum on Saturday from 10am-4pm

The annual local history book fair will be taking place at Swansea Museum tomorrow, Saturday 29 October 2011 from 10.00am – 4.00pm.

It's a great chance to come and have a browse and learn more about the history of Swansea and the  surrounding areas.

Discover Swansea during October

It's going to be a very busy month in Swansea if you are interested the cultural side.  Swansea Museum have the Isle of Wight Festival Exhibition, along with the Home Textile Exhibition and the Local History book Fair.

The National Waterfront Museum will be hosting 'Tarnished Earth: an exhibition of devastating power' which tells the story of one of the world's biggest ecological disasters.

For fans of legendary poet, Dylan Thomas, the Dylan Thomas Festival returns for the 14th year which features the talents of Sarah Waters, Simon Armitage and Pete Brown, amongst others.

Before the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery closes on 30 October, there will be a series of free workshops, free art events and live bands.  While there are also expert workshops taking place at the West Glamorgan Archives.

Discover Swansea this October...

New family history workshop dates announced

West Glamorgan Archives are running a series of five workshops over the autumn aimed at people who are planning to start family history research or take their research further.

The workshops will be held at the Civic Centre on Monday afternoons from 17 October - 14 November from 2pm until 4 pm.

Workshop Dates:
17 October - Getting the best out of the Family History Centre and how to begin your research
24 October - The Archive Searchroom and using original documents
31 October - Understanding old handwriting
7 November - Getting the best out of church and chapel records
14 November - Using workhouse, prison, court records

Each workshop costs £5 and places need to be booked and paid for in advance.

History buffs are in for a treat thanks to the West Glamorgan Archive Service

The West Glamorgan Archive Service has organised archive workshops which will cover the skills required for research and the techniques needed to delve into the past and uncover local history.

The workshops will take place between 13 June - 11 July between 2pm - 4pm at the Civic Centre in Swansea.

 

Start your research with the Archives Service workshops

West Glamorgan Archives Service is running their popular workshops again from September 13.  Topics include how to start your research, interpreting photographs and deciphering old handwriting.

The workshops will take place on Monday mornings from 10am - 12 noon.  Booking is essential, with an application form and more information available on the Archives website.

Free access to the 1911 census

Did you know you can access the 1911 census at the West Glamorgan Archive Service?  Best of all - it's free!

There are a range of exciting and interesting details and facts that can be found on this census.  You can make a booking by contacting the Swansea Civic Centre on 01792 636589.

Free email alerts

Want to know what's going on in and around Swansea?  Up and coming events, activities for children, theatre and music or something else? 

Then sign up to our free My Swansea email alerts.

Archives Christmas cards on sale now

The popular Christmas cards from West Glamorgan Archives Service are now available online at Swansea Bay History Shop (where you pay with Paypal). 

The cards depict scenes from old Swansea and Neath and this year include a steam train at snowy Resolven Station and Swansea's Wind Street and High Street.

Alternatively call in and buy direct from Archives in the Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea.

Get help researching your family history

If you’re researching your family history, get a helping hand as experts host a free family history day at the National Waterfront Museum on Saturday 25 April, 10am – 4pm.

For more information call West Glamorgan Archive Service on 01792 636589.

Os ydych yn ymchwilio i hanes eich teulu ac yn teimlo eich bod wedi mynd ar goll, yna mae help wrth law wrth i arbenigwyr gynnal diwrnod hanes y teulu am ddim yn Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau ddydd Sadwrn 25 Ebrill, 10am – 4pm.

Am fwy o wybodaeth am Wasanaeth Archifau Gorllewin Morgannwg, ffoniwch 01792 636589,

More time to research your family tree

If you are looking to research your family tree, then now is the time, as Swansea Civic Centre has opened its door to the public on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.

The chance for extensive research on your ancestors is usually scarce, due to the fact most people work during the week, now there is no excuse thanks to the West Glamorgan Archive Service.