Southampton residents donate hundreds of artifacts to history society

Bitterne’s local history society is helping to preserve the history of Southampton and the surrounding suburbs by collecting thousands of artifacts from local residents who have donated much loved items to the society.  

The formation of the society began in 1981, after the imminent construction of the Bitterne bypass.  

Those who were keen to ensure the area’s heritage was not lost under the bulldozers, salvaged and donated items of interest, creating a museum of timely artifacts.  

The society opens its doors six days a week (Monday to Friday) 10am-4pm and Saturday from 10-2pm for visitors to view and ask questions.  

Manager and Chairperson of the society Ian Abrahams said:  

“If we don’t preserve these artifacts and the information we hold in the museum, it will all be lost, and it would be a great shame.” he said.  

Gary Cooper, a board member said:  

“This is a wonderful museum we’ve got because it’s unique and it’s something a lot of places don’t have. It’s filled with all the memories and is an eyeopener for people.” he said.  

The heritage centre is staffed by volunteer stewards who have many books, photographs, maps, and street directories dating from the 19th century onwards.  

The volunteers have access to newsletters of local groups (including schools and churches) and computer databases, which can assist anyone searching for family who have lived in the area or those who just want to find out more about their city’s history.  

The items that can be viewed in the museum range from – old shop signs, radios, telephones, cash registers, gas masks, tins, photographs, shoes, and much more.  

Ian Abrahams said: 

“People will donate all sorts of things that are not necessarily dedicated to Bitterne, but also items that hold the memories of those whose parents fought or lived through the war as most artifacts the history society receives, are passed on through many generations.”   

When I visited the history museum, an older gentleman whom I interviewed, told me he resided in one of the local suburbs and came to donate old school photographs and historical books about Southampton.   

The resident mentioned that it is becoming increasingly common for items of a certain age to be misplaced or even destroyed, where he worries about the “heritage and information” of the area of where he comes from, will not be remembered.  

When asking as to why he decided to donate these items, he said:  

“I am concerned that I have no one to pass these items onto, because I am on my own and I don’t want them to be destroyed.  

“I know the society here do things, so I’m at rest knowing they will be preserved for a lot longer.”