New funding announced for young people in the East of England to uncover hidden histories

They'll get a chance to mark a part of their local heritage that has been overlooked or forgotten

Part of Norwich's historic city wall
Author: Sian RochePublished 16th Jul 2024

Young people living in deprived areas in the East of England are being given the opportunity to explore and celebrate untold local histories through a new national grant scheme launched today by Historic England.

The History in the Making fund will enable underrepresented young people from across the region (aged 13-25) to research, discover and mark a part of their local heritage that has been overlooked or forgotten.

Historic England says it wants to hear from youth groups in the East of England who want to explore fascinating local stories and have innovative ideas for place markers to commemorate them so these histories can be shared with the whole community and beyond.

There is funding available for up to 15 projects across England and the successful applications will be chosen with the help of Historic Englandā€™s panel of Young Advisers who are aged 18-25.

Ellen Harrison, Participation and Learning Director at Historic England, said: ā€œHeritage has the power to improve peopleā€™s lives and can give local communities a sense of identity. We are looking to fund projects in areas of deprivation in the East of England that will empower young people to tell inspiring stories and create a lasting legacy that will instil local pride.ā€

History in the Making was originally launched last year in Northern England, with Historic England funding 11 projects.

The resulting place markers included an audio celebration of South Tynesideā€™s mining heritage; a mural commemorating Rotherhamā€™s Slovak and Roma communities, and a pizza oven inspired by the people who lived on Hadrianā€™s Wall in Newcastle.

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