Heritage project is looking for volunteers to change the narrative of Doncaster’s history

Heritage Doncaster is asking for volunteers to look through museum collections with new eyes to find fresh information on Doncaster’s history.

They are looking for people to join their volunteer team as community researchers, uncovering the voices of under-represented groups and changing South Yorkshire’s historic record.

Victoria Ryves from Heritage Doncaster, said: “We’re looking for people who will see our collections differently and share their own experiences.

“For this to work we are especially keen to hear from researchers who are women, LGBTQ+, disabled or from a BAME background,” she continued.

“There are some tantalising clues in the historical records that suggest there are stories that have not yet been told.

“These stories are about people that have made up Doncaster’s community over time.

“In just one set of records, named the Parish Records, there are references in 1865 to the baptism of a ‘woman living in adultery,’ in 1797 the baptism of a ‘Black boy from St Lucia’ and poignantly in 1897 the baptism of a child at her mother’s funeral.”

The project wants to find out what happened to these people, and celebrate their lives.

Victoria says she wants to explore the lives of women in the past, the experiences of migrants to Doncaster and people of colour, how LGBTQIA+ people were viewed locally and how disability was talked about.

She said: “If you think you can help recover these hidden voices, please get in touch.

"It’s a chance to change history, making sure that our community heritage includes everybody in our community.”

In their quest, the new community researchers will be delving deep into newspaper and photographic archives and examining museum objects, as well as exploring census documents, letters and diaries.

As part of the project, the community researchers will also be invited to share what they uncover creatively, through web posts, photography, art or poetry.

Training and support will be provided by Heritage Doncaster, and each researcher will also receive a £200 honorarium to cover their expenses.

To find out more or to register interest, email [email protected] or visit www.heritagedoncaster.org.uk.

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