The National Trust

The National Trust is about so much more than stately homes and conservation. There is a chance for everybody to get involved on many different levels.  We aim to foster links between people and places through community projects like our Heritage Lottery Fund funded ‘Whose Story?’ project in the West Midlands, and our ‘London Voices Project’, working with local black and minority ethnic communities, and families.

The National Trust is ‘for ever, for everyone’ and the 'Whose Story?' project has been set up in the West Midlands to encourage more people to share this aspiration.

The West Midlands is home to many culturally diverse communities.  The Trust is encouraging more people from these communities to join in with us – as staff, supporters, volunteers, and of course visitors

The 'Whose Story?' programme, includes events, outreach projects and research into ‘hidden histories’ at properties.  The focus of the work is taking place at the Back to Backs in Birmingham, Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton, Charlecote Park near Stratford upon Avon and Croome Park in Worcestershire.  

A major part of the project is to encourage people from ethnic minority communities to become involved in the country's heritage by taking up a career with the National Trust.

“Through managing my own projects and working with sector professionals I have gained invaluable career skills. My positive experiences have motivated me to study for a Masters in Museum Studies and have affirmed my desire to work in the sector.  The National Trust is a truly special organisation…the willingness to listen, learn and progress and the impact of its work has left a lasting impression.“  Shabeena Anait, the National Trust’s first Positive Action Trainee, part time Jan 2007- March 2008 

The London Voices Project is taking place across London at Morden Hall Park in Merton, Ham House in Richmond, Osterley Park and House in Hounslow and Sutton House in Hackney.

In partnership with local schools, colleges and councils, creative projects and family events are held at each property, allowing families to explore and interpret their local special places.

The results of this engagement will lead to fresh interpretive materials in each property which will appeal to families and have a cultural resonance for a broad range of people.

“When we joined the London Voices project it was the first time we had been inside Osterley House and it looked very different from anywhere we had ever visited before. The furniture and decorations inside the House really fascinated us.” Farida & Maryam Mussa at Osterley

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