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A new exhibition at Suffolk Archives will tell the stories of Suffolk residents who shaped global history, from Puritan settlers to Gold Rush adventurers.
Why it matters: The free exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Suffolk's role in global migration through original historical documents, including letters from Massachusetts founder John Winthrop and Titanic passenger lists.
The details: "Departures: Exploring Emigration from Suffolk" opens on 14 February and runs until 31 May 2025, examining the diverse reasons that drove local residents to seek new lives abroad.
Key features include:
Original letters from John Winthrop, who left Groton to lead Puritan settlers to America in 1630.
The original Titanic passenger list, featuring Suffolk passengers Thomas Cupper Mudd and Frederick Sutton.
Stories of Suffolk emigrants during the Australian and California Gold Rushes.
An examination of child migration to Canada and Australia, for which the UK Government apologised in 2010.
What they're saying: "Departures is an important and thought-provoking exhibition that highlights the remarkable yet often overlooked stories of those who left Suffolk for new lives across the world," Councillor Philip Faircloth Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities, and Equality, said.
Supporting voices: Tom Wright, Sales Director and Owner at Hudson Group, which is supporting the exhibition alongside Challenger Shipping, said: "It is important that the local community appreciates the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. We will certainly be encouraging staff, customers, and suppliers to attend this fascinating exhibition."
The bottom line: The exhibition explores not only the personal stories of emigrants but also examines the lasting impact of empire, colonisation, and their effects on indigenous communities. Find out more here.
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