Culture And Memory

Belonging Through Time - YMCA Norfolk at 170

We would like to celebrate and commemorate the heritage, significance, people, stories and resilience of YMCA Norfolk. For 170 years, we’ve stood alongside our community through wars, a flood, global pandemic, economic hardship and significant social change. We want to bring that history to life. This project will uncover hidden history, untold stories and unsung heroes within our varied history from early Victorian reading rooms to tackling youth homelessness. We want to produce exhibitions, podcasts, a history book, a heritage walk and an educational resource pack to make our heritage exciting and accessible to all. By preserving our past, we will instil a deep sense of pride, safeguard our unique heritage for future generations, broaden understanding of our shared history, and demonstrate how YMCA Norfolk’s enduring community spirit continues to transform lives through a living and accessible archive that everyone can engage with.