‘MORE than a museum’ – that’s the ambition of the team behind the Redditch Local History Museum (RLHM) project which could open in the town centre as early as this July.
Already an initial fundraising target of £15,000 has been hit and raised to £25,000 to meet Charity Commission guidelines.
Suitable premises have been identified and talks are under way on a lease while the team have taken over the archives of Redditch Local History Society.
The aim is for the museum to complement Forge Mill Needle Museum close to the Abbey Stadium but also include all other aspects of Redditch history.
To do this trustees say the initial focus will be to create a conventional walk-in museum with exhibits, however the second primary aim is to save and record local history artefacts which are at risk and establish a professional archive.
“We are now planning the exhibits to go in the museum as well as the furniture and fittings we need to kit out the building,” said Derek Coombes, chair of RLHM.
“We are also establishing an archive area in the basement of the building and will need tables, desks and chairs so volunteers can work on cataloguing items and preparing the exhibits.”
He added tables, chairs and glass display cabinets were all needed and they were appealing to local businesses to support the venture by donating items.
The museum is also keen to hear from other local groups which might like to share their meeting room.
“Anyone who is able to contribute to help us furnish the facility is welcome to get in touch,” said Derek. “We are also in discussion with the Heritage Lottery Fund about future grants. Initially we are seeking a small grant to establish our archiving facilities.
“If we can successfully win and deliver that grant we are looking for a larger sum in 2022 to undertake an outreach programme of activities. Obviously, our plans are very much dictated by the easing of the Covid restrictions but we hope to have the keys to the premises by early June.”
Local businesses and volunteers who can help should email: www.rlhm.uk, email [email protected] or call 07486 882181.
To donate visit. http://www.donate.rlhm.uk or call the above number.
More than 80 individuals have contributed money to the project as well as local businesses and the three Worcestershire County Councillors who contributed grants, plus the museum successfully secured a £3,000 borough council Voluntary and Community Sector grant.
