Forces Families Project
Heritage Doncaster has been awarded £98,883 from the Esmée Fairbairn Communities & Collections Fund with additional support from the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum trustees for a new military family oral history project. Running for 18 months, this work will enable previously untold stories to be explored and secured.
Through this project, we will:
- Collect a series of oral history recordings about the experience of being the family member of someone in the armed forces. We would like to hear from the families of:
- Soldiers of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
- Those who served and lived at RAF Finningley
- Individuals from Doncaster who are currently serving or have served in any branch of the armed forces
- Offer historic research volunteer opportunities. Volunteers will get hands-on with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and Heritage Doncaster collections and look for evidence of armed forces families’ experiences within them
- Run free creative activity sessions for armed forces families. These sessions will give participants the opportunity to work with local artists, develop skills, and socialise with other forces families.
- Upskill staff and volunteers in oral history skills and other relevant training
Project activity starts in Summer 2026. Further information will be shared on this page.
Register Your Interest
If you are a member of a forces family or work with forces families and would like to register your interest to be part of this project, please complete the below form. A member of the Heritage Doncaster team will confirm your interest, and will be in touch later in the year.
About the Funder
The Esmée Fairbairn Communities & Collections Fund is run by the Museums Association, funding projects that develop collections to achieve social impact. Since its launch in 2011, it has awarded over 200 grants totaling over £14 million.
Find out more on the Museums Association website.
