The Pocket Museum will display 50 stories about Splott, presented on cards that make local history accessible.
An innovative project is asking people in Cardiff to choose items that tell the story of Splott.
The Pocket Museum project wants to curate items and stories that tell the history of the area and to make them accessible to people who don’t normally go to museums.
“We call it Pocket Museum because it can fit in a pocket. Several people, particularly workers, don’t like to go into a ‘real’ museum. They think it’s not for them, so this is a way of bringing their story,” said Andy Green, the initiator of this project.
And people will be able to carry this around in their pockets because Andy intends to publish all 50 items on a set of playing cards. Unlike a traditional museum, these allow people to carry and connect with Splott’s history wherever they go.
The inspiration for this project came from the Cockney Museum. Andy explained: “Many working-class communities don’t have museums, so this is a great first step, allowing the community to tell its own story.”
The project aims to connect residents and their community in a quick and informal way. “People will learn new things about their home, neighbours and community. They will gain a sense of pride and awareness, and may inspire further local interest and engagements,” said Andy.
Funded by the Cardiff council, the project is a collaboration between community groups, local businesses and volunteers. In addition to historical events, the cards will include personal stories.” I think we need to tell some formal stories but also informal stories,” said Andy.
Now the project is in the stage of gathering opinions from residents. “We need to make sure that we collect pictures and words for all the cards, then we’ll design it in February and print and distribute it in March,” said Lynne Thomas, one of the project organisers.
