Preserving Our Legacy: Meet Dr Venner, Our New Archivist
1 October 2024 - All
Since arriving at Wycombe Abbey, I’ve been welcomed with such warmth and generosity, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received in settling into my role as the School’s new Archivist. Archives are more than just a repository of the past – they are a living resource that helps shape the identity and memory of both individuals and the community. It is a privilege to be entrusted with preserving and promoting this rich legacy.
My journey to this role is rooted in my passion for history. With a doctorate in Classics, Ancient History, and Archaeology, and over a decade of experience working in the museums and heritage sector, I’m passionate about making history accessible and engaging. The School’s archive is remarkable, filled with treasures like original artwork, correspondence, photographs, uniforms, and Gazettes dating back to the School’s founding. My goal is to make the archive more accessible, not only to outside researchers but as a dynamic tool for enhancing pupils’ learning and supporting the wider school community. I want the archive to inspire the girls by connecting them to Wycombe Abbey’s long legacy of remarkable, intelligent, and influential women.
As part of Wycombe Abbey’s Digital Ambassadors programme, I’m eager to modernise the archive using cutting-edge technology to increase accessibility and engagement. Through digital preservation and interactive exhibits, I aim to bring the archive to life in ways that will captivate the entire community.
Beyond my archival work, I’m excited to share my passion for history with the pupils, offering fresh perspectives drawn from my ongoing experience as a scholar and soon-to-be-published non-fiction author. In contributing to Wycombe Abbey’s remarkable heritage, it is my hope that our wonderful archive will inspire curiosity and growth in your daughter’s educational journeys.
Dr Jessica Venner
Archivist
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