Archives service to launch LGBTQ+ history project

Staffordshire County Council's archives and heritage team will launch its new project at Stafford Pride

An archive service in Staffordshire is introducing a new LGBTQ+ history project with the aim of better representing the community.

The archives and heritage team, from Staffordshire County Council, will launch "Pride in Our Past" at Stafford Pride on Saturday.

Those involved said they wanted to increase the representation of LGBTQ+ history across the services' archive and museum collections.

"It will help preserve LGBTQ+ histories for current and future generations to enjoy and learn from," said Victoria Wilson from the council.

The project will urge people to donate items that reflect the history of Staffordshire's LGBTQ+ communities such as posters, pins, letters, and photographs.

They will be displayed at the new Staffordshire History Centre, due to open later in 2024.

Organisers say Stafford Pride is the first event of its kind in the town and will feature live music, food and drink and funfair rides.

Ahead of the main festival in Victoria Park there will be a parade through the town.

The council's archives and heritage team said they have built their own mini-float and will take part in the parade.