Milton Keynes Discovery Centre (MKCDC), will be using the grant to bring history into homes and schools, providing engaging resources that can be accessed online. History Goes Digital.
MKCDC are finding fun and innovative ways to bring history to life. Thanks to funding from Historic England, they’ve been able to produce free, Horrible History-esque sagas available on YouTube and Instagram. The series explores the realms of Viking Mythology and Ancient Rome, taking viewers on a journey of intrigue, down to the depths of Hel and into an imagined ancient history of nearby Bancroft Villa.
The series use historic storylines to weave together engaging craft and activity ideas for children (and any keen adults!) to follow along at home or school. You’ll learn how to forge Viking spears; become a master mosaic maker and bake bread fit for a Roman banquet. Using easy to source supplies and step-by-step instructions, MKCDC are making history accessible amidst social distancing.
The videos will also form part of a pilot pack of teacher resources available to download soon from their website. This will provide the foundation for a further subscription package, coming in the New Year, which will be tailored to the curriculum so that learners can access their favourite history experiences from the safety of the classroom.
MKCDC will also be showcasing a live-streamed experience, with a performance of a newly-commissioned traditional Medieval Mystery Play on a pageant wagon, based on the pilgrim stories of Bradwell Abbey. Tune in on 13 September, 1pm to join the new Bradwell Abbey Pilgrims as they carve out new tales and trails post-lockdown. The play will be followed by a related activity, the family-friendly Pilgrim Walk, a 2 mile circular route that will set off from the newly restored medieval chapel of St. Mary at Bradwell Abbey.
The events are part of Heritage Open Day, a celebration of making heritage accessible to all - an ethos MKCDC have been able to embrace thanks to the Historic England grant.
Further details on the Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre Education programme can be found here.
