Stories from St Albans' African-Caribbean residents told

St Albans Museum and Gallery will host a new exhibition recognising stories from the African-Caribbean community

An exhibition showcasing contributions of people from the African-Caribbean community is set to open early next year.

Becoming Us: African Caribbean will open in February at St Albans Museum and Gallery in Hertfordshire.

It will host an array of artefacts, oral history and memories gathered by residents in the city.

Organiser Andrene McDonald said she was delighted to help make sure the community was "celebrated".

Ms McDonald travelled from Jamaica to St Albans in the late 1960s and went on to work in the NHS as a chief executive.

She said ever since she came to the UK she had always wanted to help make changes in her local community.

"St Albans has a wealth of local history which has been untold in African-Caribbean communities," she said.

Andrene McDonald has always wanted to tell the stories of African-Caribbean people in St Albans

Teaming up with St Albans Museum and Gallery and Leanna's Wish - an organisation that aims to befriend, advise and support people in Hertfordshire - has helped push her plans forward.

"I've travelled a long road getting to this point. I'm very excited about this project," Ms McDonald said.

Ms McDonald has been running a number of workshops for residents to share their stories, photographs and household items.

"I am passionate that African-Caribbeans leave a legacy and for young people to learn about our legacy," she said.

The exhibition will run for 18 weeks and include a range of stories from people from the Windrush generation to present day.

The workshops are being used to gather stories for the exhibition

Catherine Newley, audience development manager at St Albans Museums, said: "Partnering with local community groups allows us to delve into the rich, multi-cultural fabric of St Albans society.

"Many of the incredible stories of endeavour, embracing new ways of life and overcoming adversity may be lost without these projects.

"We're delighted to be able capture and share such wonderful histories with the people of St Albans."

The next three workshops will run in January, February and March