Two local museums have received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for an exciting heritage project, Documenting Northern Lincolnshire’s Local History.
Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the substantial injection of funding will enable more people to get involved with the 90,000 strong local history collections.
North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Museums have been awarded almost £250,000 to research and digitise items that tell the fascinating history of Northern Lincolnshire.
When completed the rich collections will be made available to the public to enjoy on the North Lincolnshire Museum and Grimsby Fishing Heritage websites.
The project will see volunteer teams, including The Museum Makers, a group for adults with additional needs, join museum staff to document and interpret the huge collections of local photographs and objects.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities – Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe at North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“We are thrilled to have been awarded this substantial funding.
“The team at North Lincolnshire Museum prides itself on ensuring North Lincolnshire’s fascinating history is accessible to residents and this cash will enable us to go even further, making thousands more items freely available to local people.
“I’d like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their generous grant, which will help to make this great project possible.”
As well as providing new volunteering opportunities, the project will also see the development of a new heritage focused group for adults with additional needs at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, with residents researching and interpreting the local history collections.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is fantastic news that thanks to the National Lottery players, we have been able to support North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Museums to ensure that their collections are preserved for years to come, meaning that local communities and people from further afield can learn more about the fascinating and rich heritage of North Lincolnshire.”
The funding comes at an exciting time for culture across North Lincolnshire.
Bids are currently being sought by specialist builders to carry out a dramatic makeover to St John’s Church – one of Scunthorpe’s most visible and historic buildings.
Using Government cash from the Towns Fund, the work will create an even larger space for events and activities and allow for the development of Discover, a science and technology centre for children and families that will add to the award-wining arts and heritage exhibitions.
The Documenting North Lincolnshire’s Local History project is expected to be completed by autumn 2025.
To find out more about visiting North Lincolnshire Museum visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Pictured: In front of St John’s Church in Scunthorpe with the new plans are Holly Mumby-Croft, vice chair of the towns board and Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, Scunthorpe, Ashby and Bottesford.
