Historic artefacts moved from the Arctic Corsair

Hundreds of historic and unique artefacts are now being photographed, recorded, logged and placed into storage by dedicated volunteers alongside members of the team.

From radio equipment and fishing gear to pots, pans and cutlery they all need careful recording so the vessel can be restored to her original charm and condition inside and out.

Untold stories on display

The team at HYMC is developing a series of 'pop-up' displays in partnership with a number of local maritime heritage groups.  

All in the Same Boat at Hull Maritime Museum features the story of the MV Norland and its involvement in the Falklands War in 1982/3. The display has been curated by former members of the Norland crew with support from the museums team. The exhibition features a specially commissioned film in which former members of the crew recount their stories and experiences on board during those harrowing months 35 years ago. It runs until Sunday 25 November 2018 with free admission. To watch the film click here

The exhibition launched on Saturday 7 July in the Court Room at the Maritime Museum and was extremely well attended. Guests had the chance to see the film, commissioned by HYMC featuring interviews with former crew members, telling the story of their experiences on board the Norland during the Falklands War. Guests were entertained by former crew member Roy 'Wendy' Gibson who brought back memories of that incredible voyage through his fantastic piano playing!

 How to get involved

Over the last year we have been asking for people's views via the Hull City Council and Hull Museums website's and social media as well as the Hull People's Panel in a series of surveys. For us to tell the real story of the city's maritime past, present and future it is important that the people of Hull have their say on the way in which their history and heritage is preserved and presented. We will be carrying out further consultation with our community partners in the near future to ensure we capture a whole range of views and opinions.

To Join Hull People's Panel and have your say on a whole range of issues affecting your city and community click here.

The Port of Hull and its Railways

A book signing for the launch of The Port of Hull and its Railways, written by Mike Fell took place on Tuesday 12 June at the Hull Maritime Museum.

Mike Fell, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, was in charge of the Port of Hull for sixteen years from 1987 until 2003 and previously was a stevedoring operations manager at the port for three years from 1977 to 1979.

One of the book's aims is to dispel the widespread notion that Hull was only a fishing port. The fishing industry was once very important to the city of Hull but it actually formed only a small part of the port's overall commercial activities.

Mike is very generously donating all of the royalty from sales of the book to help to promote Hull's maritime history. The book is available to buy from the Maritime Museum and the Museum Quarter shop at Hull and East Riding Museum. The book can also be purchased online from Irwell Press by clicking here.

Preparations underway

We are in the final stages in procuring a group of specialists to support the Council in delivering the project who will need to show a strong reputation for delivering complex heritage projects who will work alongside museum and project teams to deliver the Hull: Yorkshire's Maritime City project.

They will be key partners in many areas of the project from reconnecting Hull’s waterfront and the conservation of our two historic vessels to the redevelopment of three important and historic maritime sites: the Maritime Museum; Dock Office Chambers and the North End Shipyard.  

The main multi-disciplinary consultant will work alongside other experts including exhibition designers, activity and business planners and naval architects who are currently in the process of being appointed to provide technical expertise and skills in order to shape the future for Hull’s maritime past, present and future, offering a rejuvenated cultural and tourism offer. All of our consultant partners are being  appointed following a detailed, competitive, vigorous and transparent procurement process.

 Conservation lab

Work is about to get underway on some fascinating conservation projects at Hull Maritime Museum. Philippa Beesley, our Conservation and Engagement Officer will be working with a team of volunteers to carry out important restoration on the museum's cannon, currently positioned in Queen Victoria Square as well as other artefacts from the museum's collection. Philippa has already begun work on the conservation of some of the extremely fragile and fascinating items from our Inuit collection. We will be offering the public the chance to get involved over the summer in a series of ‘Conservation in Action’ events where visitors can get an exclusive opportunity to chat to them about the work the team are undertaking. 

Community partners

Developing strong community links across Hull is a key aspiration for the team. We will help local communities to connect with their maritime past and help to support positive outcomes for the future in keys areas of skills, training, learning and employment. We have been out and about at community venues across the city, listening to local people and outlining the ways they can get involved. We have more visits lined up to take place over the coming weeks. A community awareness day will also take place at the Maritime Museum in the autumn.

Hull Maritime Foundation

The Hull: Yorkshire's Maritime City project is supported by Hull City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund but we must raise the last 10% of the funding if we are to create this fitting flagship home for Hull’s proud maritime heritage.  If you would like to donate to the project, or find out more about options for tax free giving and recognition, please contact our Fundraising Manager, Helen May on HYMC@hullcc.gov.uk

Object of the Month

July's objects of the month are Garibaldi's Cannon  which stand guard outside of the Maritime Museum in Queen Victoria Square. These sea service cannon, dating from 1798 were originally used aboard ship Richard and Harriet acquired by Joseph Armitage Wade of Hornsea who sent them to Garibaldi for his campaign to unite Italy.

As part of our volunteer conservation programme, the cannon will be fully restored so they can continue to stand guard outside of the museum.