Residents are invited to play a vital role in preserving Thurrock's rich heritage as part of an ambitious community project that celebrates the borough's unique history.
Routes to Roots, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is helping to bring old and new communities together to care for, explore and celebrate our past at the Thurrock Museum.
The museum dates from 1910 and has something close to 30,000 artefacts, most of them donated by local people, providing a fascinating insight into how Thurrock people have lived through the decades.
New volunteers will support crucial museum activities, including updating the museum's specialist database and re-boxing artefacts to ensure they are protected and preserved for future generations.
The work will help improve the care of the museum's collections while creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds and generations to learn from one another and build a shared appreciation of Thurrock's heritage.
Councillor George Monk, Cabinet Member for Heritage and Culture, said: "Routes to Roots is a wonderful example of how heritage can bring people together. Our history belongs to everyone, whether your family has lived in Thurrock for generations or you've recently made the borough your home.”
Previous volunteers to the Routes to Roots project found it rewarding.
Rawan said: “I met so many lovely, knowledgeable, and welcoming people and learned new skills that strengthened my abilities. It encouraged me to apply for a job, which I successfully achieved.”
Khamail said: “I had the opportunity to work with historical collections, handle precious and delicate artefacts, and carry out data entry. This experience gave me valuable experience and the confidence to take the next step in my career.
Anyone interested in volunteering, learning new skills, meeting new people and helping preserve Thurrock's heritage is encouraged to get involved.
For more information about the Routes to Roots project and volunteering opportunities go to: Current Volunteer Opportunities | Volunteering vacancies | Thurrock Council
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Notes to Editors
- Routes to Roots is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
The project has also piloted two educational programmes with local college students, which have helped improve the Museum’s displays.
