The Rum Story, a Whitehaven heritage attraction, is launching a new project The Rum Story Re-Imagined.

The visitor attraction, ran by the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, tells the history of the Jefferson’s family business which involved rum, shipping and the trading and enslavement of African people in the original 1785 warehouse and offices.

The Rum Story Re-Imagined has an aim to “tell its history in a truly representative way that is relevant to a wider, modern audience”.

The Rum Story spokesperson said: “An important part of history is re-engaging with it so we can ensure that parts of the history which have been erased in the past are heard and included.

“This is especially true for the history of the Transatlantic trade of enslaved African people and Britain’s role in it.

“This can be a challenging and triggering history to confront, but by doing so The Rum Story can make a real difference and bring change to its local communities, to Cumbria, and beyond.”

The 12 month project that has been made possible after The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £249,431 and it will be delivered by a partnership between Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and local charity Anti Racist Cumbria.

Anti Racist Cumbria, was started in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement and in response to an increase in hate crimes recorded in 2022.

Throughout the project, The Rum Story will be looking at ways they can better tell the history of the Jeffersons, and of Whitehaven.

The history of the Jefferson family sits alongside a wider history of Whitehaven as a town with an established shipbuilding past. This was able to happen due to wealth generated from local mining which was invested into the docks during the 1700s.

Whitehaven was one of the most important ports in the country, and this allowed some people in Whitehaven, such as the Jeffersons, to generate wealth through their involvement in the trading of enslaved African people.

A key part of this project will be connecting with Whitehaven’s communities to reveal, and re-engage with this history together, as it is as much the Jefferson’ as it is the communities.

Over the next 12 months, there will be several opportunities for people in Whitehaven to participate with the project currently looking for a Project Manager.

To find out more about The Rum Story Re-Imagined project visit their website here