Stories through Suitcases is a major new exhibition opening at North Lincolnshire Museum telling the story of people who have moved here from other parts of the world since the 1950s.
The exhibition opens on 17 July 2012 and is led by a group of young people who have been exploring North Lincolnshire’s social and industrial heritage.
More than 20 young volunteers were trained by the Oral History Society to capture stories of people who settled in North Lincolnshire from the 1950s onwards.
They also worked with two local film production companies to produce 10 films, each capturing the story of a different community including people from China, India, Pakistan, Poland, Lithuania and Bangladesh.
People taking part in the project have loaned personal items they brought with them such as suitcases, family photographs and clothing to exhibit along with objects from their first few years in North Lincolnshire.
There are also fascinating artefacts from many different cultures including musical instruments and intricate ceremonial costumes.
Visitors can celebrate the opening of the exhibition at a free family day on Saturday 21 July.
- Enjoy international-themed performances from Satam Belly Dancing, Kimberley Coopers Performing Arts and other community groups and have a go yourself
- See Twin Tigers Martial Arts and Fitness perform outside the museum and try some of the moves
- Have your photo taken with a London 2012 Olympic Torch and hear from inspirational Torchbearer Alan Rayment about his experience
- Have your portrait drawn by a caricature artist
- Take part in arts and craft activities, follow trails and pick up other free giveaways
- There will also be performances at the museum between 1pm and 3pm between Monday 23 and Friday 27 July.
Stories through Suitcases is North Lincolnshire’s contribution to the regional Precious Cargo project and Stories of the World, one of the key parts of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Funding has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Renaissance Yorkshire and Arts Council England.
Travelling Togs, a costume exhibition that opened in April at Normanby Hall, is another strand to the Stories through Suitcases exhibition and features costumes loaned by people taking part in the project.
Stories through Suitcases opens at North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe on Tuesday 17 July and runs until 5 January 2013. Admission is free.
Cllr John Briggs, cabinet member for Asset Management, Culture and Housing at North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Stories through Suitcases brings stories from across the globe to our marvellous museum and follows the tremendous success of the museum’s Gadgets and Gizmos exhibition. We are indebted to all that have allowed us a glimpse into their life stories.
“It’s a brilliant celebration of the many cultures and communities that have settled here in North Lincolnshire.
“There are lots of activities at the museum over the summer holidays, just pop in to find out more or visit their pages on our website.”
