News from Vale of Clwyd Labour

AM: Time to celebrate a People’s History of Wales

Ann Jones AM has today called on the Welsh Assembly Government to consider the creation of a Museum of People’s History for Wales.

In a question to the Assembly Government’s Heritage Minister, the Vale of Clwyd AM spoke of the need to properly recognise the extraordinary history of ordinary working class people in Wales.

The trade union, ASLEF has campaigned for a museum of people’s history to celebrate the economic, social, cultural and political developments made in Wales – the world’s first industrialised nation.

Manchester’s ‘People’s History Museum’ exists as a testament to the social history of many in England but Wales currently has no comparative resource.

Ann Jones AM said: “I think it’s high time we created a museum that documents the innovative and exciting history of those who lived truly revolutionary lives in Wales.

“It would be great to encourage tourists to track their family history with genealogy services alongside stimulating exhibits on the lives of those people. The co-operative and Labour Movement, for instance, owe a huge part of their history to industrial Wales both of which still have a major bearing on modern British society.

“The monuments and artefacts we currently celebrate only tell a fraction of Wales’ rich history. There is a culture forged out of the industrial revolution, mutual self-help and a rage against inequality that must now be pushed to the forefront of Welsh heritage.”

Other news from Vale of Clwyd Labour

• Labour AM calls on Welsh Assembly to promote local produce - 29 September 2010
• Wales Union Learning Fund under threat of Tory cuts - 25 September 2010
• Teachers and pupils praised for exam success in Wales - 22 August 2010