The digital revolution is helping to breathe new life into the glories of Middlesbrough’s industrial history and heritage.
Artefacts, characters and anecdotes await online ‘walkers’ as the latest technology guides them through a vibrant treasure trove of memories.
The innovative Digital Visits were developed by the town’s Rekindle Research Group.
The group are all volunteers made up of participants of the Staying Put Agency’s Digital Inclusion service.
The Digital Visits will be rolled out across Middlesbrough’s Community Hubs and Libraries over the coming weeks.
Visitors will be treated to a series of digital experiences focusing on Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage and cultural history.
There’s something for everyone including Boro fans wanting to luxuriate in some colourful Ayresome Park nostalgia.
The project has been led by Steve Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Digital Inclusion Advisor, with input – and online performances – from members of the Rekindle volunteers group.
Steve said: “It’s been absolutely fascinating, and however much you think you know about Middlesbrough, there’s always something new to discover.
“The Digital Visits are a great new way to explore the rich tapestry of Middlesbrough’s social history by accessing a range of ‘experiences’ at the Community Hubs and Libraries.
“A visit to St Hilda’s is just one example – the visitor will hear about Russian wolves chasing the first locomotive shipped from Port Darlington.
“Others feature connection to Mauritius, and the hitherto unknown tale of where LS Lowry tried to start his famous painting of the historic Old Town Hall, and recreations of women talking about their lives in the industrial Middlesbrough of the 1800s.”
All are welcome to pop in to a launch event on Tuesday, September 24 and discover how to access the Digital Visits, with support on hand for those new to exploring Google Earth.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “This project has been a real labour of love on the part of everyone involved, and they’ve created an amazing experience for visitors to our hubs and libraries.
“It’s all too easy to take Middlesbrough’s history for granted, or simply not to realise the incredible things that were achieved here, or remember the people who made our town what it is today.
“The Digital Visits in our Community Hubs & Libraries open up a treasure trove of stories, characters and forgotten facts, and they are a source of learning and fascination for everyone who takes up the invitation.”
• A launch event is set for 1pm on Tuesday, September 24 at Acklam Community Hub & Library, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 7AB.
For a preview of the Middlesbrough Digital Visits initiative, visit:
https://www.vimeo.com/
