Funding helps volunteers bring Shropshire’s hidden heritage to life
Shropshire Council’s museums and archives service are proud to announce the launch of a cutting edge, exciting new project which offers a range of exciting and valuable opportunities for volunteers.
Thanks to Heritage Lottery funding, the Volunteering for Shropshire’s Heritage project will help make accessible a huge range of outstanding archive and museum collections that otherwise would remain hidden from view.
Throughout the three year project, volunteers will catalogue, conserve, digitise and promote important collections as diverse as the fossils of the famous Shropshire mammoths, the early records of Much Wenlock Borough, and the county’s 17th muster rolls.
Local history centres will also be established in Whitchurch Library and Market Drayton Library, making heritage more accessible locally.
Volunteers will have the chance to gain valuable skills and experience in conservation, cataloguing and digitisation, and creating new online resources, events, exhibitions and displays.
Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth and prosperity, said:
“This is a terrific opportunity to place volunteers in our communities at the heart of our heritage, and to benefit from their extensive local knowledge and enthusiasm for all things Salopian. For the first time volunteers can gain experience of both archives and museums on the same project. At a time when people looking for employment in the heritage sector need all the help they can get, this is also an opportunity for people to access specialist knowledge, training and experience.”
John Benson, project manager, said:-
“There’s something to interest everyone, whether it’s geology, family history or photography that’s your thing. There’s training available and a role to suit people from all backgrounds whether you’re looking to learn, make new friends, acquire new interests or increase your range of experience. This is an opportunity for all with an interest in the heritage of Shropshire to play their part. Please get in touch if you’d like to join in.”
For further details about the project or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer call Shropshire Archives on 01743 255377 or email john.benson@shropshire.gov.uk. You can also visit us at www.shropshirearchives.org.uk.
The Heritage Lottery Fund have awarded approximately £206,000 towards the cost of the Volunteering for Shropshire’s Heritage project.
