The Hull Maritime Museum marks a milestone by burying a time capsule to celebrate its history and future. The ceremony, attended by Lord Mayor of Kingston Upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor Kalvin Neal, and service users from CASE Training Services, symbolised the city’s rich maritime heritage and its plans for the future.
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Preserving the Present for the Future
The time capsule, buried beneath the ground floor gallery of the museum, includes personal statements and messages to future generations. Service users of CASE Training Services, invited by contractor Simpson, contributed these items, aiming to capture a snapshot of life in 2024.
They also played a significant role in creating new signage to enhance access to the museum’s collections and artifacts for individuals with various needs, including learning disabilities, English as a second language, and dementia.
The capsule’s resting place is under the floor where the conserved skeleton of a North Atlantic Right Whale will be displayed. This artifact, over a century old, will be presented alongside projections detailing its history.
A Collective Effort
Robin Diaper, Curator of Maritime and Social History, expressed gratitude for the contributions made by CASE Training Services, saying, “I’d like to thank the staff and service users of CASE Training Services for making this historical celebration so special and bringing along such thoughtful items to include in the time capsule.”
Councillor Kalvin Neal, the Lord Mayor, emphasized the importance of the museum’s refurbishment and the role of the time capsule in capturing today’s world, adding, “The time capsule is a perfect way to celebrate today’s world and enclose it in the city’s showpiece of the past.”
Mark Cooke, CEO of CASE Day Centre, highlighted the collaboration between organizations, stating, “It’s always good to work in partnership on such exciting projects with Hull Museums and Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, we hope future generations will enjoy what has been produced.”
Kevin Batty, Contracts Manager for Simpson, noted the importance of preserving the museum’s restoration work for future discovery through the time capsule.
Hull Maritime Museum’s Transformation
The museum’s restoration work has revealed the stunning Grade II Victorian architecture, completely revamping the building. This includes significant roof work and the restoration of the building’s three domes.
The project is entering its final stages and is expected to be completed by summer, with new displays and technology to be installed afterward. The museum is set to reopen in late 2025.
About Hull Maritime
The Hull Maritime project is a citywide cultural regeneration initiative that builds on the momentum created during the UK City of Culture events.
It will refurbish the Maritime Museum, restore historic vessels like the Arctic Corsair and the Spurn Lightship, and create a new visitor attraction at the North End Shipyard. The project aims to celebrate Hull’s maritime heritage, enhance the city’s cultural landscape, and provide opportunities for learning, volunteering, and skill development.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
The Hull Maritime project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to protect and sustain the UK’s heritage for future generations. With a strategic plan called Heritage 2033, the Fund aims to invest £3.6 billion raised by National Lottery players in the next ten years to benefit people, places, and the environment.
Full press release here.
