Helen Singer, St Albans resident, whose mother arrived in the UK as a Jewish refugee on the Kindertransport. Photo: Hayley Posener
“Devorah worked with our group of volunteers from the start of this project to make sure that we had a clear vision and messages for our intended audience. She helped us focus on which stories to use to illustrate the universal themes we had agreed together. She was professional and sensitive to the complexities of the project throughout. We are delighted with the finished exhibition.”
“I am very grateful to the exhibition as it led to me to discovering more about my family”
“I am a Hong Konger recently settled in St Albans and am amazed by the welcoming people and history of this city. The stories of the Jews gave me a reflection of how a newly settled group of people shall integrate into the local community, contributing to every part of the society and further elevate its core values. I hope the Hong Kongers can do the same. Thank you for everything in this exhibition.”
Date: January - December 2020. Online exhibition launched March 2021. In-person exhibition at St Albans Museum postponed to February 2022 due to Covid pandemic
Client: St Albans Masorti Synagogue
Interpretation: Devorah Moritz
Exhibition design: Simon Leach Design
Graphic design: David Sudlow Designers
Sound design: Dan Savage
Graphic production: Stylo Graphics
Exhibition website: Jon Meier
arrivingbelonging.com
‘ARRIVING & BELONGING: STORIES FROM THE ST ALBANS JEWISH COMMUNITY’
Project context
St Albans Masorti Synagogue (SAMS) had gathered over 100 stories from members, mapping their ‘roots’ onto a Historypin map. They had also recorded oral histories from 12 members of the community. Volunteers planned to use some of this content in an exhibition at St Albans Museum & Gallery and were looking for some direction and support with the project.
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the exhibition’s development and delivery timetable.
Role
I led a start up workshop in January 2020 to help the volunteers identify project aims and messages for target audiences.
I developed the interpretation strategy for the project, advised, supported and upskilled the volunteer team, and briefed designers. Together we adapted processes and outputs due to Covid.
Impact
The exhibition was completed in December 2020 but installation was postponed, due to the pandemic. The online exhibition launched in the meantime with a panel discussion entitled ‘What does it mean to belong?’, attended by over 150 people, which received much positive feedback.
Once restrictions eased, the 3D display opened in 2022 to a great reception. The project has helped community members to feel more connected to their own histories and to others. They have shared their skills with others, advising other communities who wish to develop their own heritage projects.
Due to the exhibition new connections have been made between refugee families and with other museums and archives.
“So well laid out, so concise, and what worlds it opens up. ”
“Very professional exhibition. Allows one space to think and reflect on the experience of the Jewish community and also the universal experience of migration”
Simon Leach Design