A new exhibition exploring the stories behind objects in North Hertfordshire Museum's collections has opened in Hitchin.

'Connecting Collections' runs from Tuesday, August 18 until November 1 and has been curated with the help of local residents.

The exhibition showcases research carried out as part of the museum's Connecting Collections project, which brought community members together for a series of workshops between November 2025 and March this year.

Participants from global majority backgrounds were invited to investigate objects held by the museum and identify those with which they felt a personal connection.

Among the objects selected is a tiny football pin which connects one participant with her journey to the UK following the expulsion of British Asian people from Uganda in 1972.

The wider project has examined historic collections originating from around the world and explored how some of the objects came to be acquired, including whether they were obtained in unfair or unethical circumstances.

It has also sought to uncover and highlight histories from communities which have traditionally been underrepresented in museum collections.

The project was supported by grant funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, which is run by the Museums Association and supports projects using collections to achieve lasting social impact.

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Cllr Tamsin Thomas, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Enterprise, said: "We are excited to see the first outcome of the Connecting Collections project, all made possible by North Herts residents, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

"As a council, we are proud that participants from our local community have worked together with North Hertfordshire Museum to explore our collection, confront how objects were acquired, and uncover stories that connect us all."

Connecting Collections is free to visit at North Hertfordshire Museum on Brand Street in Hitchin.

The museum is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

The exhibition runs until November 1 and admission is free.