The Industrious Minds programme worked with young people to engage them with the industrial heritage of Eastleigh, with a focus on environmental impact.
With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project utilised the local collections and local studies area at Eastleigh Museum and young people investigated how past industry has shaped present day, and how current industry will shape our future. The outcomes created by young people during this project will inform Eastleigh Museum’s venue and interpretation plan.
During summer 2022 sixteen young people took part in object handling exploring how we tell stories in museum through the things we put on display, coming up with interesting stories from Eastleigh Museum's handling collection. They also developed oral history skills, carrying out interviews and producing a short film about the impact of industry on Eastleigh.
During October half term 2022, a further eight young people attended three activity days, taking part in workshops to plan digital engagement for Eastleigh Museum, understanding how the landscape of Eastleigh changed from rural farming communities to a railway town and the impact this has had on the environment, and creating artwork that reflects their experiences.
Following a celebration event in November for the young people, their family and friends, an exhibition of the young people's work went on display in Eastleigh Library.
Our thanks to the following individuals and organisations for their support on this project:
- The 24 young people who took part in the project
- Kailea Hurcombe and Ross Walters at Solent Youth action
- Hayley Malcolm from Eastleigh Young Carers (One Community)
- Craig Lockwood from Groundwork and Energy Youth
- Craig Whitelock and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
- Lillian Cespedes-Gonzalez from Travelusion Tours
- Artist Hannah A Boyd
- Heritage Engagement Specialist Sorcha Ni Foghluda
- Local Historian Eric Reed
- Eastleigh Library
