Heritage partners spotlight history of Jewish life in Grimsby
A special focus will be on the grade II listed Montefiore Synagogue built in 1888
The little known Jewish history of Grimsby in north east Lincolnshire is being brought to light through a collaborative project with The Foundation for Jewish Heritage, funded via a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.
In the late 19th century Grimsby was the third largest centre (after London and Hull) for Jewish immigration, with more than 100,000 landing there between 1881 and 1914.
Now, in a move to platform its unique history, Heritage Lincolnshire has been awarded a grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and create an exhibition on Jewish life in the port town.
The Hidden Histories initiative will largely focus on the stories and experiences of Jewish individuals and families who came to Grimsby from Eastern Europe escaping persecution.
A special focus will be the grade II listed Montefiore Synagogue, built in 1888 and the only remaining shul in Lincolnshire and South Humberside.
Community partners will be involved in conducting the research and assembling the information whilst a local artist will be commissioned to create artwork based on the research.
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.
Chair of the Foundation, Dame Helen Hyde, said: ‘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.’
Heritage Lincolnshire chief executive Tracy Stringfellow added: “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.’
The project will be completed by 31st August 2026.
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