Volunteers Needed for Women’s History Project at Coventry Transport Museum

17 September 2014

Coventry Transport Museum are looking for volunteers to get involved in an exciting new project, which aims to uncover historic material about the roles played by women in Coventry’s vehicle manufacture industry. These materials will be used as the basis for new displays within the Coventry Transport Museum, which is currently undergoing an £8.5m redevelopment project. 

The redevelopment project, which will see 12 of the museum’s 14 galleries transformed, as well as the conservation and revitalisation of the museum’s neighbouring Old Grammar School, has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Biffa Award and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

New displays at the museum aim to shed a light on the important and valuable work that women did, and still do today, within the transport industry. Throughout history thousands of women have worked in vehicle manufacture and sales, as well as drivers and bus conductors. Anyone taking part in this fascinating project will be able to sift through a treasure trove of information held within the Culture Coventry archives, discovering new stories and gaining a real insight into the working experiences of these women. The main duties within the project will involve researching documents and photographs, recording memories and preparing material to professional archive standards.

Stacey Bains, Learning and Inclusion Officer at Coventry Transport Museum, says, “This project is a unique opportunity for a group of volunteers to discover and unearth hidden histories surrounding women in the transport industry. The information uncovered during this project has the chance to be featured in our new displays and will help us further understand the important role that women played in the Coventry motor industry. We are looking for people who have an interest in history and would like the chance to learn new skills. All volunteers can commit to as much or as little time as they wish.”

Anyone who is interested in becoming part of this exciting project is invited to attend an information event at the Herbert on Thursday 25 September at 6.00pm, where they will be able to hear from experts in archive research. There will also be a short discussion about the history of women in the transport industry. 

Booking for this event is not necessary, just come along and join us.