The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Stratford Society have today (Monday 19 May) announced that Harvard House will play host to a new, temporary exhibition and community consultation space this summer that will celebrate the wider history of Stratford. The project is seen as an important first step towards the potential future development of a town museum and heritage space, informing the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s ongoing masterplanning process.
Harvard House is set to become the venue for a new, pop-up style exhibition space highlighting Stratford and the surrounding area’s vibrant history. The exhibition will also be a space to start community conversations on how to further celebrate the wider heritage of the town. This innovative partnership with the Stratford Society is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s wider strategic aims to celebrate the heritage of Stratford and its people and will see the Stratford Society lead on the creation and the day-to-day management of the public exhibition.
Commenting on the new venture, CEO of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Rachael North said:
“This agreement is welcome news for our town. This temporary exhibition will give both the Stratford Society and the Trust valuable insights into what residents and visitors would like to see from any potential town museum, feeding into our longer-term aspirations for the World Shakespeare Campus as part of our masterplanning.”
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will continue to have overall responsibility for managing and conserving the building. A key element of the project will be to gather feedback from audiences on the potential development of a dedicated museum and heritage space, to celebrate the town’s history, as well as the advancement of the Culture Strategy for Stratford-on-Avon, with both organisations sitting on the strategic partnership.
Jann Tracy, Chair of the Stratford Society commented:
“We’re delighted to work with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust on this exciting project. The exhibition covers key areas of Stratford’s history, including its industry and people, and we look forward to engaging with residents and visitors and receiving their feedback.”
As part of the project, the Stratford Society are seeking volunteers to assist with the development of the exhibition and to welcome visitors. No prior knowledge is needed and there are varied times available. If you’d like to volunteer, please email: [email protected] with the subject line: Harvard House.
More information, including an opening date and details on the new temporary exhibition will be announced in due course.