Hidden History of Jewish Life in Grimsby

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage has been asked to assist with a project that is focusing on Grimsby’s Jewish heritage.

Heritage Lincolnshire has been awarded a Hidden Histories grant by National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and create an exhibition on Jewish life in Grimsby in order to share this with the local community.  The project is being administered by Create North East Lincolnshire working with local partners.

The exhibition will largely focus on the stories and experiences of Jewish individuals and families who came to Grimsby from Eastern Europe escaping persecution however, as research for the project progresses, more specific themes will be identified.  Community partners will be involved in conducting the research and assembling the information that will feed into the exhibition design.  Alongside the exhibition, a local artist will be commissioned to create artwork based on responses to what the research uncovers.

The role of the Foundation will be to ensure that the exhibition, and any materials produced to support visitors such as school groups, is factually accurate and represents the Jewish faith correctly.

The project will be completed by 31^st August 2026.

Dame Helen Hyde, Chair of the Foundation commented, ‘We are delighted to support Heritage Lincolnshire in undertaking this unique project to document Jewish life in Grimsby.  Education is at the core of the Foundation’s work, not just saving Jewish heritage but using this heritage to explain the Jewish experience.   We welcome this initiative to get the story of the Jewish presence in Grimsby known more widely.’

Tracy Stringfellow, CEO of Heritage Lincolnshire has commented, ‘The history of the Synagogue in Grimsby is an important and little known story locally. This heritage deserves to be understood, shared, and valued as part of Lincolnshire’s wider narrative. Heritage Lincolnshire are very pleased to support this research and help play a part in bringing that story to light. We are pleased to have the support of the Foundation of Jewish Heritage to help us tell this important story.’