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Explore People’s History Museum at October half term

5 October 2021

Three family trails to discover

Left to right young visitor in the galleries at People's History Museum, People's History Museum and I Spy trail at People's History Museum
This October half term there are three different ways for families to explore People’s History Museum (PHM) and the stories that it tells, including a brand new Passport Trail designed around the museum’s 2021 headline theme of migration.  Each experience invites families to discover fascinating stories and a world of ideas worth fighting for, and are all designed with different age groups in mind.

Passport Trail, children 9+ and their families
PHM’s Passport Trail brings the theme of migration to life by inviting you to step into the shoes of a refugee, asylum seeker or economic migrant.  By the spin of a wheel you’ll find yourself following one of three footpaths and in doing so will gain an understanding of some of the challenges faced both past and present.  Animated stories form part of the experience, powerfully capturing some of the real life issues that have led to migration with plenty to talk about and share as a family.

More in Common Trail, children aged 5-10 and their families
The exhibition More in Common: in memory of Jo Cox has lots of discussion points about the legacy of Jo Cox MP, her values and how she lived her life.  It also shares the words, feelings and memories of her children and family.  The trail created by PHM’s learning team, looks at the different aspects covered by the exhibition through younger eyes so that children and families can discuss and explore Jo’s legacy in a way that’s meaningful to them.

I Spy, children aged 5+ and their families
If you are looking for an activity that takes in all of PHM’s galleries and collections and you are especially eagle-eyed, then I Spy is just for you!  This self guided quiz takes you through some of the key moments in history whose stories are highlighted at the museum; Votes for Women, the Peterloo Massacre, workers’ rights and much more.  Sometimes you are looking for an object, sometimes it will be an artefact that requires further investigation as you intrepidly make your way around the museum.

Adding to your half term day out you can enjoy lunch in Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar at PHM; where the focus is on delicious fresh locally sourced food.  The Kids Meal Deal includes a sandwich, organic juice carton and small portion of cake for £3.  There is also a dedicated picnic space in the museum’s Processional Way for families that want to bring their own lunch or snacks.

 

Takeover: Fixing the Houses of Parliament building for your future!
Wednesday 27 October 2021, 1.00pm – 2.00pm and 2.00pm – 3.00pmChildren are invited to have their say about the future of the Houses of Parliament building in two half term workshops taking place at People’s History Museum on Wednesday 27 October. Developed in collaboration with the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme this fun workshop will enable children to share their creative ideas on the restoration and renewal of the 150 year old Palace of Westminster.

Each workshop will begin with a storytelling introduction to the history of the Houses of Parliament by actor Paulette Lemard that will include fun and fascinating facts.  Then the children will work with artist Ibukun Baldwin to present their ideas, thoughts and drawings on paper shaped as bricks that they will add to a vast outline of the Palace of Westminster; meeting place of the House of Commons and House of Lords.  As the week continues children will also be able to design and add a brick. The end result will be a colourful visual representation of the ideas of young people who, when restoration work is complete, may not only be old enough to vote they could even stand as an MP!

Liz Thorpe, Learning Officer at People’s History Museum, says, “It’s really exciting for the national museum of democracy to be working with one of the international symbols of democracy.  For democracy to thrive it’s vital that young people’s voices are heard, which this workshop will do in an inspiring and fun way.”

The workshops are aimed at children aged 5 to 10 and their families and are free to participate in.  Bookings must be made in advance and all the details are here.

 

People’s History Museum’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  The museum and its exhibitions are free to visit with a suggested donation of £5.  To find out about visiting the museum, its full exhibitions and events programme based both at the museum and online visit phm.org.uk, and you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to receive PHM’s e-newsletter, subscribing to the blog, or following the museum on social media on Twitter @PHMMcr, Facebook @PHMMcr, and Instagram @phmmcr.

ENDS

 

For further information please contact Fido PR:

laura.sullivan@fidopr.co.uk / clare.short@fidopr.co.uk

Images are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5bbzepw3d8wwedm/AAAE_IRCsBVHELkhS-b9Hv2-a?dl=0

Notes to editors:

About People’s History Museum (PHM)
People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future.  The museum provides opportunities for all people to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all.  PHM offers a powerful programme with varied themes; 2018 looked at representation and commemorated 100 years since the first women and all men won the right to vote in Britain, in 2019 the focus was on protest to mark the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, the 2020-2021 programme is on the theme of migration and 2022 will explore disabled people’s rights and activism.  Previous winner of Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award.

About Arts Council England (ACE)
PHM is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).  The work of PHM is supported using public funding by ACE, the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives.  ACE support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to visual art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections.  Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us.  In short, it makes life better.  Between 2018 and 2022, ACE will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from The National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.  artscouncil.org.uk.

About the Houses of Parliament Restoration & Renewal Programme
The Palace of Westminster, home of UK Parliament, is one of the most loved and recognised buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is falling apart faster than it can be fixed and is in need of a programme of essential repair.
The 150-year-old building is at risk of a major fire, flood or falling stones. The cost of maintenance projects and ongoing works have doubled in just three years, to more than £125m a year – more than £2m a week. The expert and engineer-led Restoration and Renewal Programme was established by Parliament to save the home of our democracy and a cornerstone of our country’s history for future generations.
The Programme is currently creating a detailed and costed restoration and renewal plan which will for the first time set out accurate costs, timescales and full detail of the essential work needed to restore Parliament. The plan will be brought before Parliament in 2023.

 

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