Bringing History Home: Martin and Steve’s Vision for a Living Museum in Grimsby Town Centre

Two friends. One vision. A town’s history brought back to life — right in the heart of Grimsby.

Martin Grant and Steve Drinkell have known each other since their teenage years. They’ve taken different paths through life — across seas, industries, and decades — but they’ve always shared one thing: a deep love for Grimsby and its history.

Now, after reconnecting over a pint in a local pub, they’re on a mission to create something truly special — a Living Museum in Grimsby town centre, celebrating the people, the stories, and the resilience that define this place.

From Sea to Shore — and Back Again

Martin grew up in a fishing family. At just 15, he went to sea and spent more than 30 years in the fishing industry, later joining the Merchant Navy and travelling the world. But eventually, home called him back.

“I tried to find people similar to me who started to think, you know, the place I come from is a really great place,” Martin says. “I’ve used what I was taught from childhood through my life, and now I’ve come full circle.”

That’s when he bumped into Steve — an old friend he hadn’t seen in 30 years.

“It was over a pint,” Martin laughs. “The idea came up, and Steve said, ‘Yeah, yeah, we can do that.’ And it’s just grown from there.”

Steve’s background is hands-on too, spanning fishing, construction, and traditional trades that kept Grimsby’s industries alive for generations. Between them, they hold a lifetime of stories and skills — and they realised something vital: if they don’t pass it on, it could be lost forever.

What Makes It a Living Museum?

A Living Museum isn’t about glass cases and quiet corridors. It’s about participation — bringing history to life through real people, real skills, and shared stories.

“We want families to come along and trace their histories,” Martin explains. “They can see what their grandfathers and great-grandfathers did. It’s about participation — everyone can get involved.”

The plan is to create a space where visitors can learn traditional skills such as rope-making, net-mending, woodwork, and navigation.
Where children can discover what life was like before smartphones and social media.
Where older generations can share their knowledge, and younger ones can learn from it.

“It’s not a one-way thing,” Martin says. “The children can educate us too.”

Why Now — and Why Here?

For Martin, the timing couldn’t be more important. He draws a powerful link between the collapse of the fishing industry and the challenges communities have faced since COVID.

“After the Second World War, people had lost everything — but they built themselves back up,” he says. “We’ve been through COVID. People have lost family members and livelihoods. Now we have to rebuild again.”

The Living Museum is part of that rebuilding — a way to reconnect people with local pride, resilience, and shared identity.

“We want to reinstall a sense of pride,” Martin says. “Whatever you do, no matter how small, you should be proud you’ve attempted it.”

A New Home on Victoria Street

Martin and Steve are now working to open their first venue on Victoria Street in Grimsby town centre, aiming to open doors in 2026.

“Two reasons for Victoria Street,” Martin explains. “Footfall — and history. Everyone knows Victoria Street, but few realise how old it is or how much it has seen. There’s a lot more to it than people imagine.”

Their space will act as a hub for storytelling, learning, and connection — a place where Grimsby’s past meets its present. And while it starts small, the long-term ambition is to secure a larger building that can house full exhibitions, workshops, and hands-on experiences for the whole community.

More Than Fishing — It’s the Story of Grimsby

While the fishing heritage will always be central, the museum will tell the broader story of Grimsby — from its early history to the industries, families, and workers who built the town we know today.

“Grimsby before Grim,” Martin jokes.

This isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s a step towards shaping a future town centre that’s rich with identity, creativity, and purpose.

Community Collaboration

The project is already attracting strong local support from people who share Martin and Steve’s passion for preserving Grimsby’s heritage.

Among those getting involved are:

• Lia Nici, former Conservative MP for Great Grimsby, who has been supportive of the project’s community-led approach.

• Mark Hodson, a local architect with deep family ties to Grimsby’s fishing heritage, offering design insights and expertise.

• Jonathan Goolden and Malcolm Edwards from Wilkin Chapman Rollits Solicitors, lending their professional support to help shape the project’s development.

• Linda Mitchell, who is generously donating a collection of historical photographs and information to bring the town’s story to life.

• A graphic design student from Grimsby Institute, working with the team to develop welcoming branding and visual identity.

• North East Lincolnshire Council, who understand the project’s value and are offering encouragement as it takes shape.

Each person and partner brings a vital piece to the puzzle — from heritage and design to local knowledge and enthusiasm. Together, they’re helping turn an idea shared over a pint into a lasting part of Grimsby’s future.

Be Part of the Vision

Martin and Steve are building something that belongs to everyone — but they can’t do it alone.

They’re looking for local people who can share stories, donate artefacts, offer skills, or volunteer their time.

“We want to shout louder than the naysayers,” Martin says. “The keyboard warriors seem to shout the loudest, but that needs to change.”

“The most important thing for us is to reinstall a sense of pride — pride in who we are, where we come from, and what we’ve survived.”

Who’s It For?

“Virtually anyone and everybody that wants to be involved,” Martin says.

That includes:

• Families tracing their roots and discovering their heritage

• Young people learning skills and history they don’t get taught in school

• Anyone who wants to take part in hands-on activities and feel a sense of belonging

• People who simply love Grimsby and want to be part of the positive

“If you can make people feel a part of what’s going on, that gives them a great sense of purpose,” Martin says. “They’re not outcasts — because our society is for everyone.”

Celebrating Our Shared Story

As regeneration continues across Grimsby — from the new market and cinema to creative spaces and community venues — projects like the Living Museum remind us why this work matters.

They connect the dots between past and future, between industry and imagination.

And they prove that when local people lead the way, our town centre doesn’t just change — it comes alive.

Let’s bring Grimsby’s history to life. Together.

#BePartOfThePositive #GrimsbyTownCentre #LivingMuseum #PrideInPlace

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