ABOUT THE PROJECT
We want to build stronger relationships with museums and communities by supporting local communities to create exhibitions which reflects the local community...and we'd like you to be involved!
Usually museum displays or ‘exhibitions’ are designed by staff, but this project reverses that process by supporting local communities to design unique museum exhibitions featuring their own personal objects. These objects might not be rare, valuable or old but could’ve been passed down through generations, they may be unusual or have roots in diverse cultures - all objects have their own story.
By creating these public exhibitions, communities can tell their stories in their own words, particularly the stories which are sometimes forgotten, untold or unheard. Each museum will discover new ways to build relationships, hear more visitor voices and develop experiences of working with their communities.
We’re inviting anyone living or working in/around either Ruddington, Bassetlaw or Mansfield to be involved.
Community members will be able to attend four workshops to help choose a personal object, find the best way to share the history of their object and develop skills in exhibition design during the following months:
Community members will have an opportunity to:
Usually museum displays or ‘exhibitions’ are designed by staff, but this project reverses that process by supporting local communities to design unique museum exhibitions featuring their own personal objects. These objects might not be rare, valuable or old but could’ve been passed down through generations, they may be unusual or have roots in diverse cultures - all objects have their own story.
By creating these public exhibitions, communities can tell their stories in their own words, particularly the stories which are sometimes forgotten, untold or unheard. Each museum will discover new ways to build relationships, hear more visitor voices and develop experiences of working with their communities.
We’re inviting anyone living or working in/around either Ruddington, Bassetlaw or Mansfield to be involved.
Community members will be able to attend four workshops to help choose a personal object, find the best way to share the history of their object and develop skills in exhibition design during the following months:
- Ruddington Village Museum, May - September 2019
- Bassetlaw Museum, June - October 2019
- Mansfield Museum, July - October 2019
Community members will have an opportunity to:
- Try something new
- Meet different people
- Support the community
- Develop skills and share ideas about ways museums can improve
- Community members do not need any existing experience, knowledge or skills
- The project is aimed at people 16+ though members may choose to involve younger people to work alongside them e.g. children in their family
- The project is free (We may be able to support some travel costs if finances stop you from being involved; please contact us about this)
Museum Partners
Ruddington Village Museumuddington Village Museum was founded in 1968. It explores retail life in late Victorian and early Edwardian Ruddington through a series of displays which recreate Ruddington’s shops of yesteryear.
The museum occupies part of Ruddington’s former Victorian school, an imposing building located opposite St. Peter’s Church. The museum's intimate atmosphere and use of open displays make it appealing to elderly visitors and children alike. All visitors are offered a guided tour of the museum, which can last between 45 minutes and 2 hours. All guests are also offered a free, comprehensive guide booklet. ruddington-museum.org.uk/ |
Bassetlaw MuseumBassetlaw Museum – a ‘little gem’ in the heart of the historic market town of Retford. Explore our fabulous collection in the beautiful surroundings of Amcott House, a Georgian town house retaining many of its original features and now restored to its former glory.
The house and grounds are a treasure trove of fascinating objects, telling stories of North Nottinghamshire from its earliest people to the present day. Come and explore the archaeology, history, art, agriculture and industry that have shaped this historic area, including Bassetlaw’s links with the Mayflower Pilgrims. See our unique Anglo-Saxon boat, travel back in time in our Victorian school room and experience the 1940s in our wartime kitchen. Relive your childhood in our gallery of toys, discover our fabulous costume collection and before you leave take a trip to our rural life gallery in the grounds. bassetlawmuseum.org.uk/ |
Mansfield MuseumThe Museum is focused on working with groups across the community, from local schools to Cub troops, via reminiscence activities, art societies, archaeological associations and many others.
A child-friendly atmosphere encourages visits by younger people and their carers. Changing exhibitions aimed at all sectors of local society aim to keep the Museum a relevant player in Mansfield's cultural life. Education in its broadest sense is a core activity, driving aspects as diverse as our loans service and ArtBeat, our wide ranging holiday workshops for children of all ages. www.mansfield.gov.uk/museum |
NTU PROJECT TEAM
Andy Gritt Head of History, Languages and Global Cultures
Neville Stankley Principal Lecturer, Museum and Heritage Development
Natelle Morgan Brown Research Assistant