TWO brand new plays developed by the Maritime Museum in Falmouth, and performed at Helston Museum have brought historical Cornish events to life for children across the county.

Cornish Voices explores and celebrates the Cornish people’s enduring relationship with the sea.

The project is based around specially commissioned actor-led performances which are delivered in partnership with smaller museums, galleries and heritage centres across Cornwall.

Over 600 students from 12 schools have already taken part in this living history project at eight different museums, including Helston Museum.

Described by teachers as an “invaluable learning experience,” each story tailors content to the collections in the museums where they are being performed meaning children are able to explore their own particular local heritage.

“What is really special about this project is the partnership with smaller museums, galleries and heritage centres,” said Stuart Slade, education manager at the Maritime Museum.

“We have worked closely with each partner museum to link the stories to their own collections and the ambitions of each host museum.

“This way the museums benefit by having a performance that directly relates to them and children are able to explore their own particular local heritage.”

The project is possible thanks to Arts Council England support through the Renaissance Strategic Fund.

“We are over the moon with the results,” said Jonathan Griffin, director of the Maritime Museum.

“Our ambition is to use this success to enable the development of long term, practical and mutually supportive relationships with museums across Cornwall.

“Young people now have the opportunity to experience a unique form of live drama, one based on real stories and real characters from Cornwall past.”

This initiative is part of a package of partnership projects being delivered across Cornwall by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth, The Royal Cornwall Museum, Falmouth Art Gallery, Penlee House Gallery and Museum and Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.