Conserving and opening up access to the Foundling Hospital medical records (360G-Wellcome-206168_Z_17_Z)

The Foundling Hospital was the first dedicated children’s charity in the UK and has a rich history spanning over 275 years recorded in a large archive touching the lives of 25,000 children. The medical records of the Hospital provide a detailed and complete account of the health and medical treatment of the children from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The records are already catalogued online; however, their poor physical condition means that much is too fragile to be produced to researchers fro consultation. The aim of the project is to ensure the long term preservation of the records by repairing the fragile and damaged items, repackaging them in conservation-grade materials. Digitisation and making the records available online will further assure their long-term future by providing digital surrogates whilst at the same time facilitating and extending access for researchers. The records will be promoted to the academic community and public through an engagement programme developed in collaboration with academics working in children’s health and other relevant fields, institutions holding related material, the Foundling Hospital’s successor Coram, and the Foundling Museum. Research themes will be built into LMA’s schools and outreach programmes including an exhibition in its dedicated display space.