A project based at a West Dorset manor has been recognised for its research into the untold story of a Gilded Age American heiress.
The Alberta Research Project, based at Mapperton House near Beaminster, has received the Archives and Records Association Volunteering Award which recognises projects demonstrating how archives have supported volunteers in the previous 12 months.
The project aims to preserve the personal correspondence of Alberta Sturges Montagu, the 9th Countess of Sandwich.
Born in Chicago in 1877, Alberta became the wife of George Montagu, 9th Earl of Sandwich and took on the running of her husband's family's ancestral seat, Hinchingbrooke House.
She has been described as a woman “ahead of her time”, holding unconventional spiritual views which were shaped by her devotion to the Indian Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda.
READ MORE: Mapperton Estate Gilded Age American Heiress exhibition
Extracts from her letters, notes and journals were transcribed by 30 virtual volunteers from across the globe which were then categorised and organised on Google.
Dating from 1888 to 1951, the unseen letters constitute the largest unpublished private collection of correspondence from the period.
These are now on display at an exclusive exhibition at the Mapperton House, running until August 29.
Visitors are also able to ask Alberta questions about her life through the use of Artificial Intelligence.
The Award was presented by ARA President Aideen Ireland to Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, in the library at Mapperton, where the exhibition is being held.
The panel of judges noted: “This was a well-rounded and well-run virtual volunteer project and demonstrated good reflections through a detailed ‘lessons learned’ section.
“Plans for future developments and the use of AI and the ongoing relationship of the volunteers with the project also impressed.”
Julie Montagu added: “We are thrilled to have won this award for the Alberta Research Project. This project is a completely innovative model for volunteering, leveraging technology to bring people together from around the world.
“Not only have we been able to tackle an enormous archiving challenge but we’ve also created life-long friendships and connections. We hope our experience will inspire others to do the same.”
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