Partnership led by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
Saving Treasures; Telling Stories
The Saving Treasures; Telling Stories heritage partnership project, between Amgueddfa Cymru, the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales (Fed) and the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru), received funding through National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Collecting Cultures programme (2015-2020).
28 museums across Wales were able to acquire 168 important archaeological artefacts, recently discovered by members of the public, for their collections. The project also brought together metal-detector clubs, local museums and communities around the new stories revealed by these discoveries.
Six community archaeology projects, led by local museums, engaged key target groups and communities, including young carers, dementia groups, men’s groups, WIs, veterans suffering with PTSD, young writers, local school groups, museum volunteers, heritage groups, metal-detectorists and landowners.
Each project responded in creative ways to significant finds made on their doorsteps. Over 100 activities were undertaken, involving 123 volunteers, and new museum exhibits were co-produced.
I really enjoyed the whole experience being involved in the project from early on to its conclusion…it certainly brings history back to life.
Young career and student journalists helped to develop stories and content to enhance the PAS Cymru website as an engaging resource on portable heritage in Wales, including linked social media and film content.
The project developed a strategic collecting network and longer-term collecting culture in Wales for archaeological finds, involving training, skills-sharing and volunteering opportunities. It also developed new collaborative working practices, acting to reinforce partner interests and roles.
An external evaluation report has captured the feedback received from participants and contributors, also outlining the wellbeing benefits felt by diverse participants from engagement with the project.