£150,000 grant for Maritime Museum refurbishment
Hull’s Maritime Museum seen from Princes Dock Street
By Simon Bristow
Hull City Council has been awarded £150,000 from The Wolfson Foundation to support the refurbishment of the city’s Maritime Museum.
The funding, issued as part of the foundation’s £1.5m heritage grants round, will be invested in a bespoke education room in the refurbished museum, where the Hull Maritime team will deliver a new learning programme for local primary and secondary schools.
The museum is undergoing a major transformation, creating what is being billed as a world-class museum for the city, with new and engaging exhibitions telling untold stories of Hull’s maritime heritage stretching back 800 years.
This successful application will also support the transformation of the museum’s basement, which will be fitted out like the hold of a ship, adding fun and atmosphere to school group sessions.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this significant funding from The Wolfson Foundation which will help us deliver our vision for our exciting learning programme.
“Hull is a city built on its maritime past and it is brilliant to see that this project will tell the many stories of discovery, triumph, hope and disaster to young people.”
Wolfson Foundation chief executive Paul Ramsbottom said: “The Wolfson Foundation aims to support civil society by investing in research and education - surely ever more crucial during this challenging period.
“Our latest round of awards demonstrates the importance of capital funding for communities across the UK. The new buildings, refurbishments and equipment funded by the Foundation will support learning, enhance well-being, and advance scientific research. While many and varied, the projects have one thing in common: they are places for people to connect, and they support imaginative and excellent work.”
The Hull Maritime project is funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It encompasses the redevelopment of five historic sites in Hull city centre: the transformation of the Grade II* Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers, the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard and the restoration two historic vessels, Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship.