Culture And Memory

Bridging Generations: Passing on Manchester's deaf heritage and celebrating 180 years of legacy.

This project will celebrate and preserve the 180 year heritage of Manchester Deaf Centre (MDC) and the wider deaf community in Manchester. We aim to document stories, traditions, and lived experiences at risk of being lost, especially those of deaf elders, and dual /multiple minority communities. Bringing together deaf elders and young people through workshops, museum visits, and creative activities, we’ll build a shared understanding of deaf heritage across generations. Participants will co-create accessible resources, including signed /written stories, poems and interactive story boxes, that reflect both historical and contemporary deaf life. These will be showcased at a series of events for deaf and hearing audiences, and archived for future use. The project will strengthen deaf identity, pride, and visibility, and ensure Manchester’s deaf heritage is recognised, valued, and passed on. We aim to build a legacy that enables Manchester’s deaf community to share its story for generations to come.