'The most crucial thing about heritage is understanding that the world is different depending on where you are standing. Having lots of different versions of history is really important.'
- Untold Story artist
In 2006, after three years of inspiring work by the National Trust to engage new audiences and community groups with heritage, the Untold Story project drew to a close.
This project was all about finding new perspectives on heritage sites. It gave people an opportunity to find out for themselves what makes the places that the National Trust looks after special.
The aim of the project was to broaden the appeal of these places and tackle the National Trust’s mission to be ‘for ever, for everyone’.
The arts played an important role in bringing places to life during the project. A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled us to employ a team of talented community artists.
Since 2003, the Untold Story project has taken place at 18 National Trust sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Artists from a range of disciplines - from theatre at Peckover House to textiles at East Riddlesden Hall - have worked with local community groups to create new and unusual interpretations of these built and natural heritage sites.
Through partnerships formed with community organisations, we have encouraged people who might not normally visit National Trust sites to explore the meaning and relevance of such places.
‘It has made me look at life differently.’
- Teenage participant
In some cases, we discovered new information. At Morden Hall Park in South London, local people have shared rich memories about parties in the park and its philanthropic owner, of which little was previously known.
In other cases, local communities have shared new perspectives on well documented history. At Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, the local Asian community brought a whole new perspective to Lord Curzon’s Eastern Museum, helping us to understand the strong links that Kedleston Hall has with the history of colonial India.
The Untold Story project resulted in original performances and brand new exhibitions, to share the results of the project. These new stories and perspectives will help us present the sites involved so that they are interesting and engaging to a broad range of people. They will also show the sites' relevance to contemporary society.
For the hundreds of people who have been involved in the Untold Story project, there have been opportunities to learn new skills and to make connections with people and places. It has been an unforgettable experience for many of the participants and National Trust volunteers involved.
‘It felt like being part of something really special – and one of the best things I ever did.’
- National Trust volunteer
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