It is good news for 13 community projects on the Isle of Wight after they were awarded more than £123,000 in a second round of funding from the Past Futures Heritage Fund.
The funding is designed to help groups uncover, archive and share lesser-known stories from across the Island.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme focuses on making ‘everyday’ heritage visible and accessible.
Gavin Stride, director of Creative Island, said: "This is a further reminder of the depth and variety of extraordinary stories that make up the Isle of Wight.
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"It has been a real privilege to work with people from every part of the Island on helping them share their stories, and we’re grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the trust and support that they’ve shown us in making this happen."
Brading Roman Villa will collect oral histories and run hands-on archaeological workshops.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum will bring Second World War stories to life through a theatre performance.
The Classic Boat Centre Trust will curate new exhibitions exploring Cowes’ sailing heritage and the people behind it.
Nature Therapy CIC will begin documenting the legacy of Whitecroft psychiatric hospital, focusing on a single decade.
Riboleau Community Studios and Gardens CIC will focus on hidden heritage stories using volunteer research, creative activities, and public events.
Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society's project offers an opportunity to facilitate access to an important part of rural heritage through the archiving and interpretation of the collections held by the Royal Agricultural Society.
Sight for Wight aims to preserve and share the heritage of blind and partially sighted Islanders by cataloguing historic artefacts and creating digital recordings with members.
The Common Space will display a collection of James Dore’s Edwardian-era photographs of The Bay area in Sandown, including those linked to his fire service role.
The New Carnival Company will build on existing work around Isle of Wight folk heritage by extending the current exhibition and taking it on tour.
Wight Aviation Museum will uncover hidden stories from its collection by working with an accredited oral history practitioner and training volunteers to collect and preserve them.
The 4Ps Vectis Radio Training School will introduce young people to heritage as a stimulus for digital communication. Podcasts will encourage locals to share their own hidden stories.
Time Nor Tide Players CIC will use old items from over 150 years of music hall shows on the Isle of Wight to tell the hidden story of this type of entertainment. The theatre group will bring the music, costumes, and feel of past performances to life.
Ventnor Enhancement Fund’s project will bring a local telephone box back into public use as a piece of heritage.
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Jacqui Scott, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, said: "These projects are a reminder that heritage is not just about the past, but about how people connect, find pride in where they live, and shape their future together.
"We’re delighted to continue working alongside Creative Island and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to ensure these stories are heard, valued and celebrated."
The first round of the Past Futures fund supported six projects, including the Bembridge Fort Trust’s research into early radar technology.
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