An arts-based company, which works across the Humber region, has been appointed to manage the first Lottery-funded heritage initiative by the Humber Bridge Board.
The Culture House, based in Grimsby, is to run the Hidden Histories of the Humber Bridge project, which has been grant-aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project aims to uncover the social history of the Bridge, with an initial emphasis on the construction of the iconic structure to its official opening in 1981.
The HLF has awarded the Bridge £65,700 to start developing an archive by capturing the stories of those involved and the impact the Humber Bridge has had on people’s lives.
The Culture House team of Charlotte Bowen (above right) and Lis Poulsom will train up and manage a group of volunteers to support the research and gathering of the stories, stage a series of touring exhibitions and ultimately a heritage event at the end of the 18-month project in 2019.
Lis, associate producer for The Culture House, says: “We’re very passionate about the area and are thrilled to have been appointed to manage this new venture for the Humber Bridge. We have a track record in delivering arts and heritage projects, on both banks on the Humber, working with volunteers, so this is a wonderful opportunity for us to deliver a very important regional project.”
Humber Bridge Chief Executive Dr Kevin Moore says: “This project is so timely as we approach our 40th anniversary in three years’ time. We particularly want to capture and cherish the memories of everyone involved in the early days, up to the Queen’s official opening in 1981.”
Potential volunteers have already come forward to be part of this project after the grant was announced at the end of last year. The project team is keen to hear from more as well.
They can email hiddenhistories@humberbridge.co.uk or call 01482 647161 ext 217.
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