Dulwich Hamlet has been at the heart of the local community since its origins in 1884. More than 130 years later, having educated many thousands of children from the surrounding area, the school holds a vast and exciting collection of archival resources.

From documents detailing pupils’ evacuation arrangements in 1939 to vintage uniforms, event programmes, school magazines and Victorian embroidery samplers, there is a wealth of fascinating material waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by a wider audience.

We were recently very disappointed to be turned down for a National Lottery heritage grant to enable us to realise this project. We are therefore now asking our wonderful community, including Dulwich Hamlet families past and present, to support us in showcasing, sharing and preserving our school’s archival heritage.

Phase 1: Archive Wall - We propose to celebrate our school’s history by incorporating key images, documents and artefacts alongside text and personal memories in the design of 10 panels to form an Archive Wall. This will be situated in Turney Playground, in the heart of the school grounds.

Phase 2: Archive Preservation and Display - We aim to make the collection more accessible through cataloguing and the use of archival display and storage materials. This will safeguard against damage and deterioration and will allow the archive to be used as an inspiring and authentic teaching and learning resource with the Dulwich Hamlet children.

Phase 3: Digital Archive - Digitising key images, documents and artefacts will allow a much wider audience to access and enjoy exploring the materials, including past pupils and their families, wherever they may be!

Please support us with this exciting project by donating via our JustGiving page. Why not leave a special memory of the school in your donation message?

We are looking forward to posting updates on our progress via our website and social media channels using #dhjsarchive, and to welcoming past and present pupils, families, friends and staff to an Archive Gala event at the end of Phase 2 of the project.

Thank you for your support!