The project is principally funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and will run until April 2015. With the help of volunteers, it will record political events in Devon from a local angle and chart the changes in post-1945 political campaigning. The new archive of oral histories will remain in Devon as a valuable research resource in political history for current and future generations.
In addition to the formation of a new archive, the project will be developing a touring exhibition, website, schools programme, and a series of workshops and talks. Through its research and dissemination activities, its aim is to preserve and promote Devon’s rich political heritage.
From the Grassroots is managed by the History of Parliament, a research project creating a comprehensive account of parliamentary politics in Britain, from their origins in the thirteenth century. It will expand the work currently undertaken by the History of Parliament’s national oral history project, which is building a sound archive of former MPs with the support of Dod’s parliamentary companion and the British Library.
Taking Part
The project team are looking for people to take part in oral history recordings. Whether you are a current or retired party activist, local party officer, MP, councillor, a relative of someone involved in local politics, or you know of an ideal oral history candidate, the project team would be delighted to hear from you.
There are also volunteer opportunities available. Project volunteers will have the chance to learn new skills in areas such as oral history, writing research articles and digital storytelling.
If you’re interested in taking part in the project, or would like further information please contact:
Dr Kayleigh Milden (Project Co-ordinator)
From the Grassroots: An Oral History of Community Politics in Devon
Devon Heritage Centre, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Sowton
Exeter, EX2 7NL. Tel: (01392) 384838 / (01392) 383000 (voicemail)
Email: kmilden@histparl.ac.uk
See also www.historyofparliamentonline.org / www.facebook.com/HistoryOfParliament