Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is shortlisted in the Central South Business Awards 2024 for Community Hero

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard proudly announces it has been shortlisted in the Central South Business Awards 2024 for Community Hero. It recognises the contribution made to ensure the most disadvantaged young people within our area are able to access heritage on their doorstep, free of charge.

Operated jointly by The National Museum of the Royal Navy and the Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s goal is to remove barriers to entry for those that need it most, and to engage with our local region and communities.  Working alongside Portsmouth City Council and by direct contact with schools in Gosport we ensure that as many children and families as possible who receive pupil premium funding benefit from free access to the world-class ships and museums within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. 

In addition, a wide range of free programming is offered across the attractions, aimed at all ages.  Inspiration is key with activities ranging from art, to music, dance and technology on offer. 

The shortlist also recognises the extensive community and collaborative projects undertaken by both The National Museum of the Royal Navy and the Mary Rose Trust in the local area.  Working alongside a wide range of local organisations and partners, the unique collections held in both museums are used to inspire those in the community who cannot or do not visit museums or have an interest in history.

"We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the Community Hero award," said Dominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust. "Our pupil premium offer is of paramount importance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as we are passionate about inspiring and motivating the young people in our region about their heritage and culture.  We are committed to continuing this scheme and have just rolled out the initiative for a third year.”

Matthew Sheldon, Interim Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said “The success of the scheme has been outstanding.  In 2023 over 12,000 young people and their families were able to visit as a result of this initiative.  For many this is the first trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a day out though to be financially impossible before this initiative.”