About the Project
The Thin Black Seam aims to celebrate and preserve the mining heritage of Gateshead. Aimed at Key Stage 2 children, they will be able to explore the mining tradition of the area through documentary, oral, visual and participatory experiences. The project is funded by NEMLAC.

Delivery
A variety of ways will be used in which to deliver the project including the provision of a hard copy creativity pack and on-line resource which will be made available on the Library website and Gateshead Grid for Learning. As well as a replica miner's banner which will be displayed in St Mary's Visitor Centre.
It is envisaged that the project will also include visits to Beamish and / or other settings, which can offer a visual dimension to the project.
Materials used will include contemporary documentary evidence, photographs and illustrations, artifacts, maps and oral history records.


Outcomes

Working with schools we will produce a cultural portfolio for teachers to use at KS2 with creative suggestions and ideas around mining - with particular reference to; traditions, children's rights and citizenship.

Children will be given the opportunity to express their feelings and opinions on the very different lives led by families and children forced to work in mines.

Children will be encouraged to visit cultural venues they may not have visited previously.

In the absence of working mines in the area, the project will raise the profile of mining heritage with a generation who may know little or nothing
about the subject and the impact it had on families and local communities.

The opportunity for children to work with an artist to create their own miner's banner depicting their thoughts around mining heritage and traditions.

For more information about the project please contact Lynne McKinlay, Project Officer on 0191 433 8425 or email lynnemckinlay@gateshead.gov.uk