New Heritage Quay display puts activism in focus

The team at Heritage Quay hope visitors will leave inspired after seeing the archive’s new exhibition.

Activism in the Archives saw curators search through over 190 of their collections to find the most interesting examples of activists campaigning, protesting or taking the initiative to make a difference.

Some of the collections on display are the University of Huddersfield’s and its Students’ Union archives, which feature examples of student activism locally, nationally and internationally as well as Chickens’ Lib - an animal rights organisation. There are also displays about peace movements and women’s suffrage with many local examples from here in Kirklees. 

The exhibition also celebrates the contributions of some of the archive’s depositors who have collected stories and material that they realised didn’t exist in archives or museums. These include the Women in Rugby League project which is working in partnership with the archive and the Windrush: The Years After collection, which features the social and heritage work of local activist Dr Milton Brown.

Curator Dave Smith said, “With activism, protest and social justice as relevant to today’s world as at any point in the past, this exhibition feels very timely. From protests about road crossings on the Huddersfield ring road, to incredibly important movements for people’s rights, we hope that the passion and bravery of these extraordinary people resonates with our visitors. 

“We are also pleased to celebrate both the rich heritage of protest here in Huddersfield, but also pay tribute to some of the people we work with today.”

The exhibition is on until 14 February 2025 and is free to visit. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 9pm to 5pm.