An exhibition telling the stories of migrant communities is opening in Mansfield Library in June.

Capturing Shadows will share the history of Central and Eastern European people, from the 1940s to the present day, and the town’s relationship with the region.

The exhibition will include objects, photographs, and items relating to the communities, focusing on mining, transport, and retail, and celebrating working class histories.

Tales of everyday folk as well as familiar faces, like 1954 Wimbledon winner Jaroslav Drobny who had a continental food factory in Warsop, will be explored.

The public has also been invited to submit photographs that can be added throughout the exhibition.

Capturing Shadows is a CEE Notts project being funded by Historic England’s Everyday Heritage grant programme. CEE Notts aims to preserve the memory of Nottinghamshire’s Central and Eastern European community

Events to coincide with the exhibition include a historical talk, digital collection days, and a visit by Elysia Louise Heitmar, of the University of Nottingham, on 11th June to discuss the lives and cultural activities of migrants arriving in Mansfield and Nottinghamshire from Central and Eastern Europe throughout the 20th Century.

Liam Skillen, project manager at CEE Notts, said: “This exhibition will highlight the important contributions Central and Eastern European communities have made to Mansfield; its industries, culture, and landscape.

“It will allow people to learn, and celebrate the diversity that makes Mansfield great.

“The local community has got behind the project. Without them this exhibition simply wouldn’t be possible. If we can encourage more people to be involved in local heritage that can only be a good thing.”

Louise Brennan, Midlands director, Historic England, added: “This exhibition offers a personal insight into the memories of people of Central Eastern European heritage living in Nottinghamshire.”