At the dawn of the major scientific projects that will open on the site (excavations, university studies or documentary research), the Abbey of Vaucelles and the Archaeology and Heritage Service of the Northern Department launch the «collection campaign of the Abbey of Vaucelles» on the occasion of these Heritage Days. The story is not here in books but in your hard drives, on your cabinets, in the attic or embedded in your walls. This collection campaign, which will continue throughout 2023, aims to reference, locate and document everything related to the abbey that we do not yet know about. Everyday or cultural objects, documents, reused cut stones, photographs (old or recent for family events or cultural events), come with your elements. We scan them, we fill them in, and you walk away with them. You can not move them, take them in photography and we will study together their interest. You remain the owner and custodian of everything that will be inventoried. There is no small story; if you have personal or related anecdotes (concerning for example the abbey during the conflicts of the twentieth century, childhood memories, well-anchored legends), we are at your disposal. The purpose of this inventory is to create a new database that can be used for studies or to enrich future temporary and thematic exhibitions.
In practice: a collection workshop will be set up during the Heritage Days at the opening hours of the site in the monks' room. Come and meet the archaeologists of the department to exchange, participate or understand the principles of this operation. You’re not available for these two days? Send your information or request an appointment with our teams on abbayedevaucelles2032@lenord.fr or leave your contact information at 03 59 73 14 98. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.