Claremont Histories Digital Archive joins NCHERS
Claremont Histories, a digital archive dedicated to the memories of former residents of Claremont was invited to join the Newlands and Claremont Heritage Society in a bid to combine resources and provide a central platform for sharing and celebrating the memories of those who were forcibly removed under the Group Areas Act.
Claremont Histories was established in 2015 by Terry-Jo Thorne, the daughter of former Claremont resident, Carl Thorne, as a personal project. Through this endeavour, Terry-Jo was introduced to a number of former residents spearheading their own memory projects, such as Salegga Mustapha, who was active in helping launch the Claremont Histories archive, and is similarly active in the launch of NCHERS. When NCHERS was launched, they invited Claremont Histories to share the digital archive. Together with founding member, Aeysha Adams, also descended from a former resident of Claremont, they collect and share stories, promote memory projects, and support community endeavours through NCHERS.
Why is this a beneficial move?
Until now, the Claremont Histories project has been managed solely by a single person, making it vulnerable to unexpected interruption. By joining NCHERS, the former residents of Claremont are able to have their memories shared on a wider platform that is kept alive and energised by a large group of board members and volunteers. Terry-Jo will continue her work in digitising histories and creating sharing platforms and media that serve the needs of the Claremont and Newlands community members.
What will happen with the Claremont Histories site?
At present the site will remain as-is, although it will likely not be updated with new material, which will all go to NCHERS. Terry-Jo Thorne has created the NCHERS in a similar style to Claremont Histories by request of the NCHERS board, and this site will be updated as the board & community members advise.
Those who shared their memories on Claremont Histories have been made aware of the sharing of material to NCHERS. Should you have any questions or requests regarding the changes, please reach out via the Contact Page.