Want to become a volunteer storyteller for a more inclusive society? Come to our Ilfracombe launch event for an informal chat
If you love storytelling, especially stories that are from Devon’s multicultural history, and would like to get involved in a new project to create a more inclusive society then be at the Ilfracombe Museum, Ilfracombe on 7th December between 3-5 pm for an informal launch event for the town’s new Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots project.
The team from Telling Our Stories is looking for volunteers for the project. The hours are flexible and all expenses are paid.
There’s a chance to be a volunteer researcher receiving training in archive research and/or oral history interviewing and learn vital new skills with like-minded people or simply give a couple of hours of your time to share your story, leaving your legacy that way.
At next week’s event potential volunteers get the chance to ask the team about the multicultural history project’s aims, ambitions and to answer your questions. It’s an opportunity to share stories over a drink and something to eat.
Abi Obene, Project Coordinator in Honiton says: “People think of Devon as being monocultural when in fact there is a rich hidden history of multiculturalism in the county.
“Curators at Ilfracombe Museum recognise the local diversity gap in their collections. Stories are to be found in their archives and 19th/20th Century newspaper collection. We know for instance that four residents are listed on a Slavery Database, claiming compensation for 300 enslaved Caribbean people.”
Abi added: “We’re looking for volunteer storytellers to bring the stories of these communities to life and particularly for those from diverse ethnic backgrounds to share the stories of their lives in Devon. This project is both a celebration of the positive contribution of diverse communities in the county and a means to create new exhibitions and educational resources to re-write the narrative for a more inclusive society.”
Volunteers will receive free training in researching and interviewing and support with storytelling. All expenses will be fully covered.
The Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots project in Ilfracombe started in June 2023 and will take 18 months to complete, finishing at the end of 2024. It is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It continues two previous Telling Our Stories projects in Exeter, Tiverton, Bideford and Okehampton.
For further information please contact Abi Obene, Ilfracombe Project Coordinator abitosfor@gmail.com
The Telling Our Stories launch event takes place at The Ilfracombe Museum, Wilder Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8AF
