ChichestHER: Their Story, Our Inspiration

Celebrating Women's History in Chichester District

We're proud to announce that we've been awarded a grant of £117,266 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver an ambitious new project: ChichestHER: Their Story, Our Inspiration.

This two-year initiative will uncover, celebrate, and share the stories of remarkable women from across Chichester District - past and present - whose contributions have helped shape our community but whose voices have often gone unheard.

Shining a Light on Hidden Histories

From suffragists and educators to artists, medics and politicians, ChichestHER will explore the rich and varied impact of women on life in our district. Through research, oral histories, and community collaboration, we'll begin to redress the historical imbalance that has so often seen women's stories underrepresented in heritage spaces.

Among the figures to be featured is Kate Friedlander (1902-1949) - a pioneering psychoanalyst who fled Nazi Germany and later helped establish the West Sussex Child Guidance Clinic. Though her work was ahead of its time, her name remains little known. Through ChichestHER, stories like Kate's will finally receive the recognition they deserve.

What the Project Includes

• A major exhibition opening at The Novium Museum in October 2026, shaped by community-led research, oral histories and creative workshops.

• A new interactive website where you can submit stories, photographs, and research about women from the district - helping to build a living digital archive that's open and accessible to all.

• Contemporary collecting - gathering everyday objects that tell women's stories and expand our collection's representation of female lives.

• Volunteer opportunities, including helping to digitise objects, research untold stories, and support public engagement.

Community Engagement

This project is about more than history - it's about building an inclusive future. Alongside our exhibition and digital archive, we'll be running a dynamic programme of community events including:

• Talks by inspirational women

• Family activities

• Tactile tours

• 'Makers Mornings' led by local women sharing their skills, creativity, and stories

Help Us Tell the Full Story

Do you know a woman from Chichester District whose story should be shared? Are you passionate about local heritage and want to help uncover untold histories? Whether you have memories, objects, or ideas - we'd love to hear from you.

Email: thenovium@chichester.gov.uk
Call: 01243 775888

Thank You to The National Lottery Heritage Fund

We're incredibly grateful for the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all National Lottery players. With your help, ChichestHER will ensure that the achievements of women across Chichester District are visible, valued, and remembered for generations to come.

"This project is not only about celebrating the women of our past - it's also about inspiring the women and girls of our future. By uncovering stories that have so often been overlooked, we can build a fuller, more inclusive picture of our local heritage - one in which these achievements are remembered, valued, and preserved for generations to come."
- Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place, Chichester District Council