Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life has been awarded almost £245,000 to help it care for its collection.
The museum, based at Carlisle Castle, was awarded £244,948 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Down to Brass Tacks project.
It will recruit and train volunteers to work alongside staff to undertake a collections inventory, digitising records, condition checking, repacking and researching objects to provide a sustainable framework for future development.
With over 19,000 objects that highlight the local military story, the museum will check all objects sharing details through social media and talks showcasing its journey over the next three years.
The funding will allow the museum to employ a project co-ordinator and volunteer co-ordinator to work with the existing staff team to complete the inventory and strengthen our volunteer offer.
It said it was keen to work with the local community and veterans on this project.
Jules Wooding, museum manager, said: “As a focal point for the local infantry regiment, the museum is excited to be embarking on an ambitious project to protect and preserve our collections for the future.
“In this Remembrance season, it is wonderful to think that thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to undertake this important work to remember the soldiers from the past and ensure that our collections are accessible for all in the future.”
The Colonel of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Brigadier Rob Singleton, said: “Our heritage really matters to us, and this award is fantastic news.
“The museum does a fantastic job of looking after our rich and varied heritage – and providing a focal point for the regiment in Cumbria.
“This grant is hugely appreciated: it protects our heritage, helps to connect the modern-day regiment with both our forebears and our current recruiting area.”
Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
“It’s wonderful news that the collection will be safeguarded for future generations and this important heritage will be shared with a wider audience.”
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is an independent local charity which tells the stories of the local infantry regiment.
The collections cover The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, The Border Regiment, and its antecedent regiments from 1702 to the present day.
The museum is within Alma Block in Carlisle Castle, which was the former military depot of the Border Regiment.
