News Harrow’s heritage museum shortlisted for prestigious national award

Headstone Manor & Museum has been shortlisted for a prestigious Museums Change Lives Award 2026 in recognition of a pioneering community heritage project that brought together people from across Harrow to share and celebrate their stories.

The museum has been named a finalist in the Best Small Museum Project category for the Stories of Harrow project, an initiative that has helped local residents research, preserve and share their heritage while influencing how Harrow's history is collected, interpreted and represented.

Delivered by Headstone Manor & Museum in partnership with Harrow Giving, the project brought together 16 community groups representing Harrow's diverse cultural, faith and social communities. Through workshops, events and community-led activities, participants explored their heritage, recorded memories and shared stories that reflect the richness of life in the borough.

As well as helping local people preserve their histories for future generations, the project has increased representation within the museum's collections and exhibitions, ensuring that more of Harrow's communities see their stories reflected in the borough's heritage. More than 4,700 residents took part in workshops, community events and heritage activities through the project.

Participants reported increased confidence, stronger community connections and a greater sense of belonging, while the project encouraged meaningful conversations about identity, migration and Harrow's shared history.

Cllr Janet Mote, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said:

“This recognition is a tribute to the residents and community organisations who shared their stories and experiences. Harrow's strength lies in its diversity, and this project has helped ensure that more voices are represented in our borough's history.”

The Museums Change Lives Awards, organised by the Museums Association, celebrate museums that make a positive difference to the lives of people and communities across the UK.
Winners will be announced at the Museums Change Lives Awards ceremony at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 3 November 2026, during the Museums Association's annual conference.

About the Museums Change Lives Awards

The Museums Change Lives Awards recognise museums and individuals making an outstanding contribution through initiatives that:

• Promote health and wellbeing
• Create better places
• Inspire engagement, reflection and debate

The awards include four categories:

• Inclusive Spaces Award: recognising museums that explore complex and divisive histories.
• Best Museums Change Lives Project Award: recognising projects that demonstrate the aims of the Museums Change Lives campaign.
• Best Small Museum Project Award: recognising outstanding projects delivered by museums with an annual turnover of less than £336,000.
• Radical Changemaker Award: recognising individuals who have driven positive change through museum work.

The full shortlist for the Museums Change Lives Awards 2026 is available on the Museums Association website.