The ‘Capturing Shadows’ archive is a collection of photographs, images, and interviews collected between March and December 2024. With this collection we aim to bring together and celebrate the history of Central and Eastern European communities in Mansfield and the surrounding area. The collection was made possible thanks to funding from Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grant programme.
The Everyday Heritage grant programme by Historic England celebrates working class histories and seeks to explore untold stories and celebrate the people and places at the heart of our history.
Leisure
Culture and traditions are preserved in the everyday and recurring rituals of our lives. Here you’ll find celebrations, get togethers and events from the past 80 years.
Ukrainian dance group, circa 1970’s Credit: Tania Lapinski 
Ukrainian dance group, circa 1970’s Credit: Tania Lapinski 
Mansfield Carnival circa 1990’s Credit: Anna Hurt 
Novadi Latvian Choir at St Mark’s Church, Nottingham Road 2024 Credit: Helmuts Feldmanis 
Ukrainian Christmas Dinner, circa 1970’s Credit: Tania Lapinski 
Mansfield Polish Scout Group, Credit: Renata Mucha
Hear from people in the community
Helmuts Feldmanis discussed the start of the Latvian Sunday school
Industry
We are still accepting submissions for phase 2 focusing on industry: retail, transport, and mining
Project Team
Project Manager: Liam Skillen
Project Assistant: Anna Fedenko
Oral History Volunteer: Dominika Laki
Digital Collections Volunteer: Kaylen Kirlew
With thanks to the following organisations for their help and support: Inspire Mansfield Library and Nottinghamshire Archive, Kino Koło Notts, Our Mansfield and Area, First Art, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Old Meeting House Mansfield, International Forum Mansfield and Ashfield, Polish Scouting (Cubs and Brownies- Polne Ludki, Guides- Dęby, Scouts- Leśne Wilki), Novadi Choir
ceenotts.co.uk 