BOROUGH residents are being encouraged to rediscover Thurrock Museum and the thousands of objects telling the story of the area, as work continues to preserve its collection and bring Thurrock's history to life for future generations.

From everyday objects that evoke memories of growing up to artefacts documenting the borough's social and industrial past, an estimated 25,000 items are cared for by the Museum, with much of the collection carefully preserved behind the scenes when not on public display.

Now, the externally funded Routes to Roots project is creating new opportunities to explore and improve records about the collection.

Two part-time, temporary Project Officers have recently been recruited to help deliver the project, working alongside volunteers to add information to the Museum's specialist database and repack artefacts to help preserve them for the future.

Michelle Savage, Museum Officer at Thurrock Museum, has worked for Thurrock Council for 10 years, beginning at Coalhouse Fort delivering education and events before moving to the Museum around 2018.

Her role covers everything from caring for the collection and supporting volunteers to developing exhibitions, organising workshops and taking the Museum into local schools.

Michelle said: "There's so much more to the Museum than people might realise. A lot of my time is spent managing and looking after objects that aren't on display, making sure they are properly cared for and preserved for future generations.

"I really enjoy organising and packing objects and working with the database. Think Sort Your Life Out, but with artefacts!

"We're very lucky to have a local museum and I'd love more residents to come and visit us, let us know what they think and spread the word about what we have here in Thurrock."

The Museum's recent Toys Through Time exhibition has shown how objects from the past can bring different generations together.

The exhibition was conceived and created by the Museum's exhibition volunteers, who Michelle describes as a dedicated and passionate group at the heart of the service.

One visitor, who attended with her six-year-old daughter, said: "Enjoyed this so much! Mum (43), and daughter (6) both found familiar items, which prompted some nostalgic and eye-opening conversations."

Michelle added: "It's so gratifying to see that the aims of our exhibition have been achieved. Another well done to my wonderful volunteers!"

Volunteers also play an important role in caring for and documenting the wider collection, helping ensure the borough's heritage can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The Museum works with heritage organisations across the borough, including the Bata Heritage Centre in East Tilbury, Thurrock Local History Society and Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre.

Through Routes to Roots, the team has also been working with Welcome to the UK and ESOL learners at Thurrock Adult Community College, helping more people connect with the history of the place they call home.

Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley (pictured above) said: "Thurrock has a rich and fascinating history, and it's something we should be incredibly proud of. Our Museum helps preserve that history and gives residents the opportunity to discover the people, places and stories that have shaped the borough we know today.

"Civic pride is about celebrating what makes Thurrock special and encouraging people to feel connected to the place they call home. With around 25,000 artefacts in the Museum's collection, there is so much for residents to discover right here on their doorstep.

"I want to thank Michelle, our fantastic volunteers and everyone who gives their time to protect and share Thurrock's heritage. I'd encourage residents and families to visit the Museum; discover something they didn't know about our borough and help us spread the word about this fantastic local resource."

Residents can continue exploring the borough's past through Thurrock's new Civic Pride Heritage Trail. The first trail takes in historic locations across Purfleet-on-Thames, Tilbury, West Tilbury, Horndon-on-the-Hill and Grays, sharing stories about the people and places that have shaped Thurrock.

Residents are encouraged to visit Thurrock Museum, explore its exhibitions and discover more about the people, places and events that have shaped the borough.

Visitors can also follow Thurrock Museum on Facebook to keep up with exhibitions, events, stories from the collection and opportunities to get involved.