Museums And Archives

Routes to Roots: Sharing Thurrock’s Heritage with Communities New and Old

Partnering with local organisations who support UK newcomers within Thurrock, our project will enhance community integration and social cohesion by bringing disparate communities together in a common goal: understanding and celebrating Thurrock’s Heritage. We will work with ‘Welcome to the UK, Grays’, Thurrock Adult Community College & TCHC GAPS Thurrock as well as long-term residents, including our core volunteers. Together, they will explore Thurrock’s unique heritage whilst gaining data entry, research and administration skills. Newcomers will improve their language skills through immersion in the local culture and heritage of Thurrock. Long-term residents will benefit from the experience through mentoring and imparting a sense of pride in Thurrock. By the end of the project, we will have supported skills development and social cohesion, increased and diversified our engagement and will have new perspectives on our collections. Our collections will be better understood and cared for and easier to access and interpret.