23 July 09 - The Holocaust Centre's exhibition for primary-aged children,The Journey, won 'Best Exhibition' at the Nottinghamshire Heritage Awards and also was shortlisted in the last three for the title of 'Museum of the Year', out of a possible 26 museums. The Renaissance Heritage Awards are a series of awards for all museums, including independent and local authority museums, heritage societies and linked local groups.
The awards run separately in each East Midlands county, and celebrate excellence in museums and heritage. As category winners, we now have a plaque which will be proudly displayed at the Centre, and certificates for display in our reception area. We can cite this award on all correspondence, newsletters, promotions etc, and will receive a small cash prize. We have also won a year's free membership with AIM (Association of Independent Museums) which will allow the organisation to attend their training courses and conferences, and to become involved with other independent museums across the country.
Dr James Smith, CEO of the Holocaust Centre and Aegis Trust, delivered a brilliant speech on behalf of the Centre, thanking Dr Stephen Smith, whose brain-child The Journey is, and who was missed a tthe presentation, and all the people who could not be at the event but worked so hard on the project. The publicity we will receive from this will be incredibly beneficial. Renaissance (a Government structure, funding museums) will include us on their websiteand future publications,meaning wewill be seen byevery museum in the country. Many people at the presentation had not heard of The
Holocaust Centre. Now, not only are they aware of our presence, but they know that we are heading for
Accreditation, which will further increase our potential to reach wider audiences.
Aneesa Riffat, our Museum and Heritage Officer, has already been approached by three organisations who wish to work in partnership with us. Further news on this will undoubtedly follow.
After the event Aneesa said: 'I felt incredibly proud and privileged to be part of the Holocaust Centre because yet again, this small place in the middle of Laxton achieves enormous things. We all joked beforehand that we would win, but we didn't expect it, and what was really brilliant was seeing how tough our category and competition was. I'm not usually one for gushing for ages after something has happened,but it is difficult not to. I feel so proud being affiliated with the Centre.
'A big congratulations to us all- we should all feel proud.' The Journey team said: 'Seeing Stephen's creative vision come to life through the eyes of primary children has been magical. His inspirational project has ensured that thousands of children will not only learn about how children were affected during the Holocaust, but also to consider the choices they have in how they behave towards others.
'It has been an incredible experience and privilege working with Stephen, and The Journey staff have been on their own journey as a result. The skills acquired as a result of the project will last a lifetime.'
