Shropshire Heritage Heroes wanted

Shropshire Council’s museums and archive services have developed an innovative and interesting way that people can get involved and actively contribute to the heritage of Shropshire, and they don’t have to go far to do it.

Shropshire’s Heritage Heroes is a website that has been developed to enable those people who have passion for heritage, but who cannot get to Shropshire Archives or museums in the county, to volunteer from home.

The website, which has been funded through the Arts Council for England, is groundbreaking, as it is integrated with the archive and museum online catalogues.  This means that the contributions of volunteers will enhance the already existing online catalogue found at http://search.shropshirehistory.org.uk/.  This is the first port of call for people who are looking for historical records about Shropshire.

The website, which was launched at the end of April 2014, already has over 100 people registered, and work is happening in the background to get items ready for volunteers to work on.  The project is working with museums across the county, including Shropshire Regimental Museum and Whitchurch Heritage Centre.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member responsible for visitor economy, said:

“We believe this project is the first of its kind in England and that Shropshire is leading the way with this web-based technology.  It is so important to break down barriers for people who want to get involved but who, due to work commitments or other issues, are unable to get to the archives or a museum site in Shropshire.”

Alison Pritchard, project manager, said:

“You don’t need to be an expert, you just need a computer, some time and a passion for Shropshire and its fantastic heritage.  Any work done is much appreciated as it provides greater access to the public to the items held in Shropshire.”

Current projects include coins that Ludlow Museum would like help with, and a 1916 Commercial Directory which Shropshire Archives would like transcribing; with plenty more coming up.  The types of jobs will include transcribing documents, checking spelling and grammar of entries, commenting on photographs or research projects.

To find out more visit the website, register and have a look at the documents:  http://www.heritageheroes.org.uk/.

For more information please contact the project manager Alison Pritchard at alison.pritchard@shropshire.gov.uk.