Could YOU help uncover fascinating stories of the Maison Dieu?
As part of the £9m Lottery-funded reawakening of the Maison Dieu in Dover the council is hunting for volunteers aged 16+ – from academics to complete beginners – to join our research team and be actively involved in one of the most significant heritage restoration projects in Kent.
Your mission: to uncover the fascinating history of Dover’s 800-year-old Maison Dieu which has been a pilgrim hospital, Royal Navy victualling yard, town hall and much-loved community venue.
You could help discover fascinating tales about the Grade I Listed building and the people associated with it, or uncover the story behind a painting, artefact, or historical event at the Maison Dieu.
Research can be done online, at the Maison Dieu or in museum, library, and archive collections.
Visits are planned to see Maison Dieu related collections at the Dover Museum, Canterbury Cathedral, Kent Archives, and the National Maritime Museum. Other possible visits include The National Archives, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and the British Library.
The volunteer research team will have regular online and in-person meetings, site visits and training opportunities. Volunteers will be asked to share their research on social media, at future events, on the website and some stories will feature in the building interpretation too. Training and expenses will be provided.
Cllr Oliver Richardson, DDC cabinet member for community and corporate property, said: “We’ve got an 800-year story to tell at the Maison Dieu! Our volunteer research team is a great way to get involved with the project, meet like-minded people, and develop new skills.”
Cllr Oliver Richardson
To find out more, join us for an introductory presentation and a chance to ask questions about what it involves on Tuesday 14 December 2021, 7 to 8pm via Zoom.
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