REDDITCH Local History Museum has received of grant of £17,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help create the Redditch Historic Archives.
Situated at 5 Market Place in the Church Green conservation area organisers say they are on target open the doors to the public at the end of September / beginning of October.
And now they’ve issued a rallying cry for volunteers to help them cross the finish line.
The Redditch Historic Archives are planned as an integral part of the museum to securely store and make available artefacts representing the town’s history and heritage.
So, thanks to National Lottery players, work can begin equipping the archive facility and training volunteers to catalogue, preserve, interpret and display the artefacts that have been donated to the museum.
“We have been very pleased with the progress we have made since launching the museum project nine months ago, so we were delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players,” said Derek Coombes, chair of the trustees at the museum.
“The archives are fundamental to our objectives for the museum and this award will enable us to take a big step closer to preserving Redditch local history for future generations to enjoy.”
He added: “We want the museum to be a community-run facility for the benefit of the whole community.
“To meet the outcomes of the grant award we need volunteers from all sectors of the community to join us on this great opportunity to collect, secure and document local history.
“This means involvement from all generations and sectors of the community.
“A specific aspect of Redditch Local History that is often forgotten is the part immigration and minority communities have played in the town’s growth and this will be a focus of our activities.”
He added there was a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages and skills to help make it a real community-led initiative.
“We need volunteers to help process, record and maintain the archives and to help design, research, document and realise the exhibits in the museum,” said Derek.
Where necessary training will be given and support will be available, but enthusiasm for Redditch local history is the main requirement.
For more information about volunteering email [email protected] visit: www.rlhm.uk or call 07486 882181 or 07860 326582
