Get your hands on some history

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 25th Oct 2007

Community groups can now get their hands on a series of new interactive objects commissioned by Northampton museums to get people talking.

Crime & punishment, immigration, the First World War, archaeology and shoes are the inspiration for the commissions which have been created by five of the UK's leading artists, thanks to £35,000 grant funding from Renaissance East Midlands.

The Hands on History project is part of Northampton Borough Council's drive to get more people to use the town's museums and provide wider access to the museums' collections.

Each of the objects created is intended as a conversation piece that will challenge people's views and all five are available for loan to community groups across the region.

Councillor Brendan Glynane, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member responsible for museums, said:

"Making history come to life for people is what the Hands on History project sets out to do. There's no such thing as 'do not touch', as all of the objects are designed to be handled. They are real conversation pieces."

For loans or more information call Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on 837111 or email rsilverson@northampton.gov.uk