About
European cities like Sheffield are built on the idea of a common cultural heritage enriched by diversity. However, often the personal stories of the communities that make up such an inclusive and heterogenous space, get lost in official narratives that focus on common traits.
This project aims to unearth and make visible some of the unique stories and music of Sheffield’s Jewish communities, who had a determining impact on the city from as early as the 18th century. They produced a rich and vibrant heritage and culture which had a determining impact on the social, economic and cultural life of the city.
The Sheffield Jewish Heritage Walking Trail is a cross-disciplinary project, combining cultural, performance and heritage studies to unveil the city’s Jewish heritage through creative walking, musical responses to narratives and place, archival research into the community’s past and interviews with members of the city’s Jewish community.
The walking trail explores locations associated with the community, using stories, images and soundscapes to offer an immersive experience of creative walking. Content about each location is triggered automatically using GPS and includes audio commentaries. You can also explore these narratives on this website, in the Explore the App section, where you can download the app to experience it while walking in the city.
The project has received generous funding from the University of Sheffield.
I would like to thank the members of the project’s advisory group, Prof Judy Simons, Prof Sue Vice, Prof Alan Zinober, Frankie Drummond Charig, Phil Tomlinson and Dr Sara McConnell for their continued support and valued feedback. A special thanks to the project’s research assistant, Daniella Hovsha, for being an invaluable member of the team.
The archival sources used for this project are accessible at the Sheffield City Archives, in the Papers of the United Synagogue and Sheffield Jewish Congregation and Centre (“Sheffield Jewish Archives”).
For more information on related resources for research at the City Archives, see the Jewish community research guide | Sheffield City Council.
