Winter Lecture series at Shetland Museum and Archives

The series of talks kicked off last month with ‘Wick Voices meets oral history’ by Doreen Leith, and a sell-out talk from Jenny Murray and Allen Fraser about their project ‘Three Kirks and a Cathedral’. The upcoming talks will cover a huge range of topics from maritime archaeology to Viking Scotland, and islands languages. A memorial lecture in January will explore a study by Jim Wilson where he investigates the DNA made-up of Shetlanders. Additional events are being added to the programme, including gallery talks during the upcoming Grayson Perry exhibition in Da Gadderie.

Sandy Middleton, Head of Engagement at the Shetland Amenity Trust who run the Museum and Archives said, “There is a huge amount of research going on in Shetland and beyond which deepens our understanding of our diverse heritage and intriguing heritage. The lecture series provides a platform for these researchers to present their findings and share the incredible stories they have uncovered.”

Next week Colin Martin will give a lecture on Kennemerland and De Liefde: Two Dutch East India Company wrecked off Skerries in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Their lost cargos have long been the target for salvors, enticed by legends of sunken treasures including boxes of silver and gold with which to buy the return cargo of spices. Since the 1960s, advances in dive technology has led to the discovery of an extensive collection of finds. Colin and Paula Martin have been working at the Shetland Museum and Archives to draw, photograph, describe and research these collections of international significance. The lecture will take place at the Shetland Museum and Archives on Thursday 7^th November at 7pm, the cost is £5 and can be booked online.

The full programme of lectures can be viewed on the Museum and Archives website at https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/events.