Bournemouth University students have helped to preserve and archive over 12,000 photos that were discovered in an attic at the RNLI’s headquarters.
![RNLI archive project RNLI archive project](https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/bournemouth_wysiwyg/public/assets/images/RNLI-archive-project.jpg?itok=JjKz540P)
BA (Hons) History students have been helping with the project to conserve, categorise and digitise the forgotten photos , which had been stored in unsuitable conditions in a roof space.
The photos date from as early as the 1920s and show activities including royal visits, lifeboat-naming ceremonies and launches.
Michael Keefer was one of the students who supported the project – researching, digitising, repackaging and storing the photos.
Michael, who wrote a blog for the RNLI about his experiences, said: “When the opportunity arose to get involved for my second-year work placement, Forgotten Photos seemed a perfect fit. Being involved has given me an amazing insight into working with archives and I've learned so much.
“Working on the Forgotten Photos Project has been an unforgettable experience – enjoyable and educational. I have gained valuable knowledge about archiving, and read amazing stories about the people and lifeboats of the RNLI.”
Find out more about studying BA (Hons) History at Bournemouth University