Walsall Council has secured a grant of £249,020 to create a digital archive celebrating the borough’s rich history and diverse communities.
The funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will be used to deliver the ‘Walsall Archive for All’ (WAFA) project, which will preserve Walsall’s heritage and ensure it is accessible to all.
Inspired by the work of local transport photographer and historian Jack Haddock, the WAFA project will include thousands of historic images, audio recordings, and personal accounts, bringing untold heritage stories to life.
Volunteers and community members will play a vital role in curating these materials, ensuring that the voices of Walsall’s diverse communities are heard and celebrated.
The Jack Haddock Collection will also be digitised as part of the project. This includes 2,200 photographic prints, 5,928 plastic slides and 220 recordings.
“ The Walsall Archive for All project will give our residents a chance to share their stories and contribute to a growing digital archive that celebrates our borough’s past.
“We have a proud history in Walsall, and through this project, we will be able to uncover untold stories through material captured by local people.
“By working together, we will create an inclusive and accessible collection that future generations can learn from and be proud of.
“This project aligns with our Walsall 2040 strategy, which aims to build on our identity within the Black Country and continue sharing our collective stories and legacy.“I would also like to acknowledge ongoing contributions by the ‘Walsall for All’ partnership, which has worked closely with the archives team. “
Councillor Amandeep Garcha, Portfolio Holder for Resident Access and Housing Support at Walsall Council
Ian Gray from Walsall Archives said, “Walsall Archive For All is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to digitise thousands of images and audio history recordings for intergenerational and intercultural representation.”
A community exhibition programme will also be developed as part of the project, while Walsall College will begin incorporating the Jack Haddock Collection into their photography courses. This will allow students to engage with the material and produce contemporary reflections which will be used to create a photo book and exhibition content.