14 Dec 2024
A new initiative aims to preserve and enhance the legacy of Oaklands College by exploring, documenting, and sharing its history.
Through careful research and the digitisation of its archives, the Oaklands Heritage Project aims to create a lasting resource, opening doors for future generations to engage with and study the college’s story in a meaningful way by capturing the unique stories, milestones, and transformations that have made Oaklands what it is today.
Archive materials includes photos, letters, and publications to artifacts and oral histories, ensuring these invaluable pieces of history are not lost to time. In doing so, it will make the college’s heritage accessible to students, staff, and the broader community interested in learning about Oaklands’ journey and significance.
Claire Dolan, deputy principal strategy, partnership and business development said: “Oaklands College has a long and proud history, and this Heritage Project is a concerted effort by the team at Oaklands and Your Loving Memory to bring lots of information, mentions, references and documents together in one place. While our incredible college recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, historical documents date our magnificent Mansion House as far back as the 1780s. The site became a college in 1921 opening as an agricultural institute, welcoming both men and women as students, which was seen as pioneering in those days.
“Fast forward to 2024, and we now have an evolving site with new and refurbished buildings, 7,000 students and hundreds of courses to choose from. However, Oaklands’ history and heritage is a key part of what the college is today so we would love to hear from anybody who has historical documents, photos, memories, or artifacts related to the college so that we can carry on the journey of creating a clearer picture of Oaklands through the centuries.”
If any readers have any historical documents, photos, memories, or artifacts related to Oaklands, the college would love to hear from you by email at bulletin@oaklands.ac.uk
