Dockside Diaspora – Uncovering Grimsby’s Jewish heritage volunteer
Background to the Dockside Diaspora Project
Built in 1885, the Sir Moses Montefiore Memorial Synagogue is the only remaining Synagogue in Lincolnshire and South Humberside and one of few of this period in the country to survive so intact. Together with its accompanying bath house this synagogue reflects the former significance of Grimsby’s Jewish community and the town’s prominence in the movement of Jews from Eastern Europe to Britain and America. In the late 19th century Grimsby was the third largest centre (after London and Hull) for Jewish immigration, with over 100,000 landing here in the peak years between 1881 and 1914.
Dockside Diaspora is a new project designed to uncover and showcase Grimsby’s Jewish heritage. In partnership with Grimsby Hebrew Congregation at Sir Moses Montefiore Synagogue, the project will research Jewish individuals and families who came to Grimsby fleeing persecution from Russia and eastern Europe and focus on their experiences in Grimsby and further afield. This research will feed into an exhibition which will be made co-collaboratively with community partners and will appear at locations across NE Lincolnshire before becoming a permanent display at the synagogue.
This project will run alongside a series of repair works which are currently underway at the synagogue.
Main aims/volunteer role
The main output for this project is the exhibition. This will be produced collaboratively by community partners and by a creative. It will include photographs, stories, and memories.
We are looking for volunteers to help us complete research surrounding the synagogue and particularly track the lives of Jewish individuals who landed in Grimsby in the 19th century and their lives and experiences thereafter. We are recruiting volunteers from 31st October to 10th November – volunteers would need to be available from November 2025 to March 2026.
Why volunteer with us?
As a volunteer on the Dockside Diaspora project, you will be provided with research training. This training will focus on handling archive material and completing digital research. Furthermore, volunteering on the project will give volunteers the opportunity to develop new skills, learn more about their local history and heritage and connect with the wider community.
Payment will be available for research hours at £13 per hour. Research hours will be capped and this will be dependent on the number of volunteers that apply for the role. This will be confirmed once all volunteer applications have been processed. Research will need to be evidence prior to payment.
Payment is available for travel expenses.
How to apply?
If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer for the Dockside Diaspora project, please fill in the HTL Volunteer Application form and send to anna@heritagelincolnshire.org.