Ilfracombe has a long history, tied inexorably to its harbour that brought in trade, tourists, visitors and future residents from all over the world. Entertainers and performers, artists, workers, sailors, soldiers, tradesmen and business owners - all these and more have arrived in Ilfracombe throughout the last few hundreds of years from all over the world, and some even chose to stay. 

 
The exhibition highlights a number of these stories - with the remainder being made accessible via the Museum's archive - detailing Ilfracombe's history as a safe harbour, a site of grandeur and performance, the location of terrible tragedy and more. Throughout the exhibition Ilfracombe's community is defined in these tales by their welcoming spirit and bravery in the face of danger, and we are thrilled to present these once overlooked accounts.

'By embracing storytelling, we bring these diverse narratives to life, fostering self-expression, empathy, and healing. We believe this will pave the way for a better world.'
     - Hilda Kalap - Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots Project Co-ordinator.