The Fishing Heritage Centre is celebrating after being recognised for its impressive work in heritage education – alongside the likes of Bletchley Park and Kensington Palace.
The Sandford Award is given to leading centres across the UK and Ireland to mark the quality of their work in educating the next generation about various topics.
This year’s recipients, of which there are only 29, included museums, railways and even a medieval site. 2026 marks 40 years since the Heritage Education Trust, who run it along with Lincoln Bishop University, took over with 2027 being the 50th anniversary of the award itself.
The only recipient in Lincolnshire, the centre is thrilled to have been recognised for their work and hopes to continue providing a quality facility to help the younger generation learn about Grimsby’s past.
David Ornsby, Operations Manager at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, feels the award is nothing more than the centre and the team deserve.
“We offer a great tour, not only of a museum, but also of a genuine fishing trawler – The Ross Tiger. It’s important that everyone, not just the younger generation, keep the fishing history at the forefront of their mind.
“Grimsby was built on the fishing industry and we wouldn’t have half of what we have today without it.”
Sarah Spencer, Education Officer, added: “Our education offer has also been vastly improving in recent years with the award being the perfect example of how impressive it is.
“From loan boxes to dedicated school visits – there is plenty on offer for those who want to learn.”
The loan boxes offer two various themes for schools to take into the classroom with 1950s home life and fishing providing interesting topics.
Focusing on elements like household objects and genuine fishing nets, classrooms can be transported back to a different era.
Councillor Bob Callison, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Tourism and Culture, added: “I’m thrilled to see the centre get the recognition it rightly deserves.
“All the team work tirelessly to provide a genuine and enjoyable experience for all their visitors and they deserve every bit of praise.”
To find out more about the centre and what it has to offer, visit Discover the Fishing Heritage of Grimsby
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