University experts help bring Hull’s maritime history to life

Amongst those excited to see the doors open are University of Hull staff, students and graduates who have been instrumental in the redevelopment of the anchor heritage site since it’s closure eight years ago.

Led by Dr Nick Evans, Deputy Director of the Wilberforce Institute and Senior Lecturer in History, university involvement in the redevelopment has not only provided volunteer and employment opportunities for both students and graduates but also aided student attainment in History.

Dr Evans said: “Dozens of past and present students, along with academics and professional services staff from the across the university, have played a vital role in the largest redevelopment of the museum since it first opened in the 1970s.”

“Throughout the process we have worked closely with Hull Culture and Leisure who have given our students the opportunity to take on volunteer roles at the museum, including carefully transferring precious objects to their conservation studios, helping to develop the Heritage Lottery Fund bid, analysing what prospective visitors would be inspired by and supporting delivery of the broader Hull Maritime project.”

“This invaluable experience for our students has helped many of them go on to secure industry careers at museums and history projects across the country.”

University of Hull staff have also played a vital role throughout the refurbishment, sharing their expertise to help make sure that the new exhibits are accurate, relevant and interesting.

Geography Professor David Atkinson chairs the fundraising team of Hull Maritime, Dr Martin Wilcox from our History team has arranged for articles written by Hull based academics to be shared with visitors for free, whilst Dr Nick Evans has seen his work inspire a new interactive display at the museum drawing upon his research into the city's important role in mass migration to America.

Dr Evans’ research into Hull’s migrant past will be brought to life with a new interactive exhibit in galleries overlooking Queen Victoria Square. Visitors will be invited to explore the stories, people and events that have shaped Hull’s unique identity – featuring additional research through internships on the redevelopment.

From discovering the origin of local phrases to mapping where settlers travelled from and which areas of the city they chose to call home, the installation will provide opportunities for learning for visitors of all ages.

Dr Evans continues: “Visitors will be able to come and immerse themselves in Hull’s maritime history, following the journeys of Hull’s ships and sailors across the globe.

“It’s been fantastic for the university to be so involved in such a key milestone for the city and I look forward to seeing the next generation learning about history and enjoying such a great resource.”

Robin Diaper, Curator of Maritime and Social History, said: “It has been extremely rewarding and helpful working with our enthusiastic partners and students at the University of Hull. They have generously shared their time and expertise, helping us to develop stories with academic rigour.”