The ERO’s collections offer infinite educational possibilities, and we are excited to welcome Valina on board to explore these and bring them to students across the county.
Name: Valina Bowman-Burns
Role: Learning from History Manager
Why did you want to work at ERO?
I was introduced to the Essex Record Office as a student and spent many happy hours researching for my dissertation. It would have taken considerably less time if I was better at reading Tudor handwriting. I’ve also introduced friends and co-workers and always had positive experiences treasure hunting in the Searchroom. I’m very education focused, so when a job came up that used my skillset I jumped at it.
Describe an average day at ERO for you:
I’m still meeting people and trying to work out how the teams fit together. I hope in the near future that I’ll be working much more closely with schools and bringing some new learning sessions online. I’ll try and keep you posted.
What do you do when you’re not at ERO?
I like trying new things. So far this year I’ve tried screen printing, had a trial flight in a Tiger Moth biplane and given Tunisian crochet a go. In the evenings I am a regular at Zumba, yoga and Aikido.
Can you tell us about an interesting document you have come across while at ERO?
- The records from a mental institution in Colchester had some very sad stories.
- Jane Barnard’s will was my prize find when researching my dissertation – I could read it and it contained good detail that I was looking for.
- Some Victorian photographs of a man in full, fashionable Victorian ladies garb – corsets and all! I was very envious of his dress and style!