Oldham Archives, custodians of the Oldham Chronicle Archive, are delighted to receive an Archives Revealed Cataloguing Grant from The National Archives to improve access to a much-loved family-owned newspaper that was an important part of daily life in Oldham for over 160 years. Building on what we learned from conversations with community groups in Oldham, the grant will help us to catalogue key sections of the archive, digitise photographic negatives and deliver an engagement programme of community-based events.
For many years the Oldham Chronicle was the source of news for the town. In its pages are thousands of stories capturing real life in Oldham. Some of you may even remember having your own picture in the paper.
When the Oldham Chronicle newsroom closed in August 2017, and the last edition of the newspaper came off the press, Oldham Archives stepped in to save the archive. The collection holds many fascinating local stories and covers all aspects of the newspaper’s operation and reach.
As the home to the documented history of Oldham borough, Oldham Archives wants anyone with a connection to Oldham to feel that our service is theirs to use. Through the Headliners project, we will unlock more than a century of newspaper history and breathe life back into our volunteer programme.
Neil Consterdine, Director of Communities said, “The Oldham Chronicle holds a unique place in the borough’s collective memory and identity. Its coverage of everyday life, social change and civic achievement provides an unparalleled record of Oldham’s history. Headliners will transform passive historical records into an active public resource that supports learning, participation and place‑based pride.”
