Anyone can suggest a new addition to the archive, and we encourage as many people as possible to do so. It’s a quick and easy process and you’ll be supported by our editorial team. We recommend having a look at our Contributions FAQs before you complete the contribution form below.
The Hypatia Trust and the Women in Cornwall archive are supporting Women of Cornwall - a project by Art Centre Penryn and ceramicist Katie Bunnell. To submit a nomination for this project, please click here
Why should I make a contribution?
Women in Cornwall is a growing archive and it depends on your input to keep it current, representative, diverse and thriving. In other words, your contributions make Women in Cornwall the unique and valuable resource that it is. In helping to build the archive you will be contributing to a rich resource for people all over the world. You will also be building a picture of the region that counterbalances often male-dominated historical narratives, moving women from the margins of history to the centre.
How does the contribution process work?
Our archive is always evolving and expanding. If you know of someone who isn’t yet included in our archive and who you think should be, let us know. One of our editors will review your suggestion and get in touch - you can work on contribution alone or we can help you put it together. Once that’s done your contribution will feature in the archive.
How do you decide who gets to be included?
Criteria for inclusion are necessarily broad. The idea of a “notable” life is subjective, and determined by the dominant political/cultural factors of the times. Our aim is to showcase the richness, diversity and achievements of women in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Any woman who has made a meaningful contribution to the region, or who has links to the region and has made a meaningful impact elsewhere, belongs in the archive.
We especially welcome suggestions of those from minority groups, and those who may be currently under-represented in the archive.
Do they have to be an artist or a writer?
No, the archive includes women working in all fields
Can I suggest a living person?
Yes, the nature of the archive means that many of those listed are dead, but the archive also contains a lot of women still living and working today.
Does it matter if I know them personally?
You can suggest anyone, regardless of your relationship to them.
I have a suggestion but I'm not a researcher or a writer, can you help me?
Yes, the editorial team can help fill in any gaps, or indeed write it on your behalf. You can have as much or as little input as you choose.
I have a suggestion and I’ve done some research…
Great! Put as much information as you can into the contribution form, there’s no word limit, and the more detail you can give the better.
What if I don’t have factual information, like date of birth etc?
Don’t let that put you off. The archive is collaborative, so others may well be able to fill the gaps. And besides, there’s a lot more to a life that birth and death dates — a flavour of the character is much more important. And in most cases, even a brief listing is better than no listing at all.
Will my contribution be fact checked?
Yes, as far as possible.
What if I want to suggest additions or changes to a listing?
Great. Listings are always being amended and added to. If you see any errors, or want to suggest changes, or add any new information, just get in touch.
Will my name appear as a contributor?
Most biographies are not credited to a particular contributor. However, we have a listing of all contributors, and in the longer term we’ll be developing a contributor forum which will allow contributors to connect, collaborate and share research.
If I want to suggest a person who is still living, do I need to get their permission first?
Not necessarily, however in certain cases that may be appropriate. Our editors can discuss this with you where necessary
How many suggestions can I make?
There is no limit on the number of contributions you make.
How long will it take for my suggestion to appear on the website?
This depends how much additional editorial input is needed. But generally, your contribution will appear within a month of submission.
I have a question that isn’t listed here
Please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!