Migration Stories North West https://migrationstoriesnw.uk is a 3 year historical project unearthing stories of migration in the North West from ancient times to the present day, which will re-frame migration as something that has been fundamental to the UK for a very long time. It’s headed by Global Link based in Lancaster, and is a partnership with four other organisations across the North West out of which Crossing Footprints is the one covering the wider Manchester region. The other three are Liverpool World Centre, Cumbria Development Education Centre and Cheshire Global Learning.
This early project description has been superseded by the main introduction to the project at https://crossingfootprints.com/migration-stories/
In this first year Crossing Footprints will be recruiting 8-15 voluntary community researchers to each explore local archives to find individual stories, at least one per volunteer, possibly more if time allows and there’s enough material. Manchester-based author Mickela Sonola will initially be working alongside our director Kooj Chuhan to run this project.
The group will meet up a few times to include induction / training / visits and discuss the stories that emerge, we will also do our own research in between with support. We plan to start in early May and to each get a basic story mapped out by the end of June. There will then be time to add more details and research up to late September. There is a budget for expenses (travel etc), and each of the five partners will be doing the same in their areas. If you’re interested we’ll try and be as flexible as we can to work around you and support you researching your story.
This first year focuses on stories of migration in the North West up to WWII but not later. Migration out of the UK as well as coming into the UK, and also internal migration, can all be included. The second year will focus on school groups doing more recent oral history within their communities, and the third year on generating media and educational outputs using all of this material. An interactive map resource has so far been agreed to be produced with all the stories, as well as some video production of selected stories. An exhibition is also in discussion.
There may later be additional funds for a creative arts production to enhance the way the stories are presented and interpreted. The research you undertake would then feed into the artistic production with possible further roles available. Watch this space!
Migration Stories Greater Manchester – get in touch!
For more information about how to get involved, go to https://crossingfootprints.com/migration-stories-get-involved/
