Ashfield residents invited to help create a People's Museum celebrating the district's stories
Ashfield residents are being invited to help create a one-of-a-kind museum that will celebrate the people, stories and objects that have shaped the district's identity.
The People's Museum of Ashfield will put local lives, urban legends and under-celebrated stories centre stage, creating a major new temporary exhibition that reflects the true social, cultural and historical identity of the district.
Developed in partnership with communities across Ashfield's towns and villages, the project will celebrate the district's past, present and future by uncovering the stories, memories and objects that matter most to local people.
Inspired by crowd-sourced museums around the world, The People's Museum of Ashfield is being led by Nonsuch Studios on behalf of Ashfield District Council as part of the Ashfield Creates programme, alongside locally born sociologist Dr Lisa McKenzie.
Councillor Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead Member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing at Ashfield District Council, said:
"The People's Museum of Ashfield is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people, stories and memories that make our district special.
“We are proud to support a project that puts our communities at its heart and gives residents the chance to help tell Ashfield's story in their own words.
“I would encourage anyone with a story, memory or object to share to get involved and help create a unique exhibition that reflects the true character, pride and heritage of Ashfield."
Dr Lisa McKenzie added:
"Growing up in Sutton-in-Ashfield, I didn't think arts, culture or museums were meant for people like me.
“Museums seemed to be about the people who owned land, not the people who lived and worked on it. But culture was all around us: in Northern Soul, the clothes people made, the working men's clubs, the music, comedy and stories we told.
“The people of Ashfield have always been brilliant at telling stories. Through those stories we understand who we are, what has shaped us, what we have survived and what we still want to become. The People's Museum of Ashfield is a chance to bring those stories together and to say clearly that they matter.
“This will be our museum: made by us, shaped by us and filled with the lives, memories and creativity of our communities."
The People's Museum of Ashfield is searching for the stories that often go untold, from the domestic and everyday to the hilarious, unusual and deeply moving moments that define local life.
The project aims to capture the richness of Ashfield's social, cultural and historical heritage through the experiences of its residents.
Over the coming months, there will be a range of opportunities for residents and local businesses to get involved. People will be able to share ideas, attend information sessions and contribute objects they believe should become part of this unique collection.
Throughout the autumn, the museum will take shape through a programme of community-led activities, workshops and research opportunities. Residents will also be able to lend personal items to the exhibition, with every object carefully cared for, displayed alongside the contributor's story and returned afterwards.
Edward Boott, Artistic Director of Nonsuch Studios, which delivers Ashfield Creates, said:
"Ashfield is such a fascinating place with a rich and diverse history.
“You're never far away from an incredible story or fascinating anecdote, and that's what we really want to celebrate and present as part of The People's Museum of Ashfield."
Got a story or object that belongs in the museum?
Ashfield Creates is encouraging local people to delve into their cupboards, locate old photographs, treasured keepsakes and memorabilia, or simply write down memories that help tell the story of Ashfield. Whether extraordinary, heartbreaking, hilarious or seemingly ordinary, every story has the potential to become part of The People's Museum of Ashfield.
During September, the museum team will host a series of information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about the project or helping to shape its development, ahead of the launch of the Museum Makers group in October.
Information session dates include:
· Monday 21 September, 12.15pm to 1.15pm, Sutton Library
· Tuesday 22 September, 6pm to 7pm, online
· Friday 25 September, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Ashwood Centre, Kirkby
Residents can book a free place by visiting www.ashfieldcreates.co.uk/museum
People can also follow Ashfield Creates on social media to watch the collection develop and hear about future opportunities to get involved.
The People's Museum of Ashfield will open in Spring 2027, followed by a month-long programme of exhibitions, talks and workshops celebrating the stories and people that make Ashfield unique.
Posted on 09 September 2026