The IHBC is delighted to partner in supporting an initiative by the North East (NE) Historic Environment Forum (HEF) to create a virtual gallery that celebrates North East achievements as told by local places.
The NE HEF writes:
The North East is one of the most creative and innovative places in the UK according to a new project called A History of the North East in 100 Places. Led by the North East Historic Environment Forum, the project provides a virtual gallery of 100 places that tell the story if creativity and innovation in the region.
The places chosen for inclusion in the website were nominated by heritage organisations from across the region. The stories told by these places demonstrate the important role played by the North East and its peoples in shaping the nation. From the birth of the railway and the development of industry, to the flourish of design and invention and the drive for social reform, the North East has a lot to be proud about.
Examples of just some of the achievements that the North East can lay claim to include: the world’s first passenger railway, the world’s oldest purpose built gaol, the world’s largest working transporter bridge, the world’s first house to be lit by hydro-electric power and the world’s first street to be lit by an electric lamp.
Jan Bibby, Chair of the North East Historic Environment Forum, said: ‘We’ve got a real mix of places and whilst we won’t have everyone’s favourite, we are hoping to stimulate debate about the region’s history of creativity and innovation. We’re asking people what they’d choose for their top 100 and we want to encourage people to get out and explore. We’re inviting people to rediscover the North East including the quirkier sites in less obvious places.’
The North East Historic Environment Forum is a group of heritage organisations who work together in partnership ad includes English Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund, The Institute of Historic Building Conservation and the National Trust among others.
A History of the North East in 100 Places is being launched as part of the Festival of the North East, taking place from 1 to 30 June 2013.
For more information about the festival, see: www.festivalne.com
