How Bishop’s Stortford Museum Keeps Local History Alive - Emily Oliver
Show notes
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Emily Oliver is the Museum and Visual Arts Coordinator at Bishop’s Stortford Museum, based at South Mill Arts. Her work spans school visits, children’s activities, educational projects and exhibitions, as well as helping connect local people with the town’s history through the museum’s collections and visual arts programme.
In this conversation, Emily talks about just how much history Bishop’s Stortford holds, from prehistoric and Roman artefacts through to Victorian collections and modern-day local memories. She highlights some of the museum’s best-known pieces, including Titus, the Roman skeleton discovered in town, and explains how the museum is constantly adding to and refreshing what visitors can see.
A big part of the episode focuses on the museum’s oral history work. Emily explains how local people can record their own memories of Bishop’s Stortford so they become part of the town’s archive for future generations. It is a reminder that museums are not only about preserving objects, but also about protecting the lived stories that make a place what it is.
Links
https://southmillarts.co.uk/stortford-museum/
Your local Museum is seeking memories of living in Bishop’s Stortford. Your story is invaluable to us, and we would like to record it and include your perspective in our Oral History archive. If you would like to take part in our ‘Echoes of Experience’ Project, please email at museum@southmillarts.co.uk or call us on 01279 710204. We would love to hear from you.
Stortford Spotlight
Billboard in Jackson Square
“Be curious and come to museum to learn a bit more about our town’s history.”
Emily’s message is for everyone, but especially people who may not yet have realised how much history Bishop’s Stortford has to offer.
Secret Spot
South Street Pantry - https://southstreetpantry.co.uk/
Emily highlights South Street Pantry as a favourite local coffee and brunch spot. She also gives a mention to a walk along the river, especially on a sunny day, as one of the simple pleasures of being in town.
Local Legends
South Mill Arts Community Fun Day
Emily shines a light on the upcoming South Mill Arts Community Fun Day on Saturday 25 July from 11am to 3pm. With pop-up performances, workshops, activities and food, she highlights it as a chance for the community to come together and celebrate what South Mill Arts offers. More information about our upcoming Family Fun Day at South Mill Arts can be found in our latest brochure: Summer Brochure 2026 - South Mill Arts
Support the Podcast
You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery.
Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes.
Support here:
https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic