The National Library of Wales is connecting communities with the stories, memories and collections preserved on their behalf through its Your Library tour, inspiring people to discover, explore and bring them to life in new and creative ways.
In Merthyr Tydfil, local history will take centre stage through a day of talks, archive footage, exhibitions and community activities celebrating the town's rich industrial, sporting and social heritage.
One of the event's highlights, The Golden Era of Merthyr Boxing, will explore how a boxing school in Penydarren became known far beyond Wales and helped produce some of the biggest names in British boxing. Archive footage, personal memories and the stories of fighters including Eddie Thomas, Howard Winstone and Johnny Owen will bring this remarkable chapter of Merthyr's history to life and shared with the public as part of the Your Library event on 21 September.
Through a network of Clip Corners across Wales, people can access and explore screen, sound and archive collections from the National Library, discovering stories that connect them to their local history and the wider story of Wales.
Geraint Thomas, author, councillor and son of legendary boxing trainer Eddie Thomas, said:
"Eddie was the 'Father' of Welsh boxing. From the seeds sown at Penydarren, many generations of young boxers have grown, and they still do today. It was a very special time for Merthyr, Welsh and British sport."
Geraint Thomas will be joined by Wynford Jones, former referee and retired British Boxing Board of Control steward, secretary and vice-chairman of the Welsh Ex-Boxers' Association. Together they will reflect on the achievements of Eddie Thomas and the gym that helped produce champions including Howard Winstone, Ken Buchanan and Colin Jones.
Alongside the boxing session, Rob Phillips of the National Library of Wales will lead Myth vs Reality, exploring the history of Merthyr Tydfil through historical objects, images and broadcast archive material from the National Library of Wales. Rob will join local historian Chris Parry for a fascinating conversation about the stories, myths and realities that have shaped the town.
Rob Phillips, an Archivist at the National Library of Wales said:
"I hope people go home having learnt something new about their area and about Merthyr's importance to Wales and internationally, and inspired by having the opportunity to see and handle original documents which tell that story."
Free drop-in activities will take place throughout the day, including opportunities to explore Watch and Listen, the Wales Broadcast Archive, meet People's Collection Wales, search the Women's
Peace Petition and experience Ol | Haunts, an immersive virtual reality experience inspired by Wales's rich cultural heritage and collections. National Library staff and partners will be on hand throughout the day to chat with visitors, answer questions and help people discover the collections, digital resources and services available through the Library.
Schools will also take part in dedicated sessions, while visitors can enjoy refreshments, local entertainment by Merthyr Aloud Choir and opportunities to engage with stories that have helped shape Merthyr Tydfil and Wales.
Come and discover the stories of Merthyr Tydfil, experience new performances inspired by local history and explore the collections that connect communities across Wales. Then see where those stories can take you next through your local Clip Corner and the National Library's digital collections.
Your Library takes place at Merthyr Tydfil Library on 21 September from 1pm to 7pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
Category: News