What is a Memory Box?
Each session is an hour long and led by a member of the museum team, every member of the team is a Dementia Friend. Each box contains objects, personal stories and photographs to help encourage conversation and spark memories.
The boxes are used to support group reminiscence sessions. We have four decade themed boxes available, themes include:
- Life during the Second World War in the 1940s
- Home life in the 1950s
- Music and fashion in the 1960s
- Working life and changes in technology in the 1970s
What do the Memory Boxes mean to you?
“As someone relatively new to Cardiff, I was looking for something within heritage that really connected in a meaningful way with the very communities that call this city home… The Memory boxes allow us to do this, we ‘take the museum’ out to the communities, making sure people’s stories are heard.” (Aprilia Kemp, Memory Box volunteer)
“I saw one lady who was totally silent, still and unengaged. The next moment she was animated. She looked to be really enjoying what she was seeing… She was touching the object and her face was gleaming. It was a special moment…” (Suzy Bowers, Linc Cymru Housing Association.)
“The pleasure which comes from this is quite extraordinary, one memory unlocks another and we each contribute in some way.” (Eunice, reminiscence group member.)
“People get a chance to share and feel heard and to recall long forgotten memories.” (Katherine Whittington, Heritage Development Librarian and Cathays Branch Manager)
What would be in your Memory Box?
We want our Memory Boxes to represent Cardiff’s communities. If you would like to help us develop and expand our range of Memory Boxes then please get in touch.
To enquire about our Memory Boxes contact us on: 029 2034 6214 / cardiffstory@cardiff.gov.uk