Unlocking Hidden Stories

Unlocking Hidden Stories delves deep into the diverse range of objects in the Canal & River Trust collection. The Trust cares for over 15,000 items across its museums and attractions, representing the most comprehensive history of inland waterways in the UK, and the largest in the world.

NWMEP 2020.52.1

Visitors can see and experience our collections across three museum sites at Ellesmere Port, Gloucester and Stoke Bruerne. We already know so much about the objects on display and each of these has a unique and diverse story to tell. Unlocking Hidden Stories seeks to discover the intangible histories and the human narratives embedded in our collection. The project explores how memory and objects are inexplicably linked; our memories are stored within objects and objects arouse our nostalgic memories.

Do you have a favourite object or a fascinating story to
share? If so, we need your help

Follow the link at the foot of the page to browse highlights from the collection selected as part of Unlocking Hidden Stories – use this to find out more about these objects and submit your own story. Follow this link: Unlocking Hidden Stories - for details on how to submit your own story to our growing audio library.

ArtsCouncilFunding

Unlocking Hidden Stories is supported by Arts Council England through the Designation Development Fund