Exploring Boston’s History Along The River Witham
About the Project
What is Cosmopolitan Boston?
Cosmopolitan Boston is a community project involving a group of residents working together to explore the hidden histories and diverse heritage of Boston.
The residents received research training before carrying out historical research such as exploring local archives and gathering oral histories from the wider community.
This virtual exhibition designed by the residents showcases what we found out.
What did the project look to achieve?
Boston boasts a rich historical heritage, yet many of its stories remain unknown, even to those who live in the town. While most are familiar with its significance in the founding of Boston, Massachusetts, few realise that Boston, Lincolnshire, was once one of England's wealthiest towns.
The development of the town was influenced by migrants from all over Europe, and locally-based industries such as farming, fishing, and manufacturing have long since had a wider global influence beyond the town.
The project has explored the ways in which Boston has always been a cosmopolitan and connected place, and not just a sleepy market town! By cosmopolitan we mean the area’s strong historical links with other countries, peoples, and cultures. This reality co-exists with the deep sense of attachment and belonging that some people feel towards Boston.
Why Boston?
Many residents feel that the town has received unfair negative media coverage in the aftermath of Brexit (and, arguably, going back much further). Whether it be media focus on crime, poor health or, more recently, xenophobia and racism, the residents of Boston have rarely been depicted in a favourable light publicly.
Our project instead seeks to tell more positive and hopeful stories about the town and its people. We do this in part by shining a light on the fascinating, and often overlooked, ‘untold’ people’s histories that may not be found in traditional history books or ‘official’ versions of the town’s heritage.
Our aim is to draw upon, add to, and work alongside those ‘official’ accounts so that we can together enrich our understanding of the social history of Boston. We believe that everybody has a part to play in these conversations.
Meanwhile, research shows that getting involved with arts, culture, and heritage can help to create a local sense of pride and belonging, to tackle social exclusion, and to help build strong cohesive communities.
What did we do?
In June 2023, ten individuals were recruited as community researchers. They were all local residents and represented a wide cross-section of people in terms of age, class, and nationality.
They were each paid to conduct up to 20 hours’ research. The residents had the opportunity to meet new people, to learn new skills, and to learn more about the place they live. No prior skills or experience were required.
Over the summer, the residents worked alone, in pairs, and in small groups to explore the social history of Boston through visits to local archives, speaking with people in the community, and taking trips to sites of significance within the area.
In November 2023, the group convened to share their findings and to plan their next steps.
Who is leading the project?
The project is led by Dr Joshua Blamire at the Institute for Community Research & Development based at the University of Wolverhampton. He has been conducting research in Boston over several years.
How can I learn more about the project, or even get involved?
Check out our virtual exhibition here.
You can also contribute your own stories and photographs here.
If you still have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Dr Joshua Blamire (j.blamire@wlv.ac.uk).
