Overview

• The centre initiated the review in July to identify and address links between its North Sea fishing heritage collections and colonialism or racism
• Under direction from Tory-run North East Lincolnshire Council, staff are cataloguing objects related to trawlermen and other fishing materials for potentially problematic interpretations
• Plans include highlighting any ties to slavery, incorporating stories of individuals from diverse and protected characteristic groups, and soliciting public feedback on display updates
• The initiative reflects a broader museum sector trend to move away from a white, Western-centric worldview by expanding inclusive narratives
• Greater Lincolnshire’s Reform mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns has publicly denounced the process as “woke nonsense” and pledged to terminate the review