Development funding of just over £51,000 has been awarded to help the Museum’s directors progress their plans to apply for a full grant of £947,600 at a later date.

These exciting plans aim to bring to life the histories of local Regiments and their antecedents in a modern, coherent, reconfigured environment, using up-to-date interpretation methods, and telling personal, inspirational stories of regional soldiers. It is hoped that subject to further HLF funding, work can start on this project in early 2013 and be open in time to celebrate the Centenary of the start of First World War in mid-2014.

The project also hopes to increase levels of participation and include a range of activities that will involve more volunteer work and focus on open days, workshops, school visits and outreach activities.

The building, opposite Clifford’s Tower and next to the Hilton Hotel, used to be a Territorial Army Drill Hall but became a military museum in 1984 and is located in the heart of York’s Heritage Quarter.  

Lt Col David O’Kelly, the Regimental Secretary of the Yorkshire Regiment has been leading the project. He said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. The Museum is such a key part of York’s rich military and cultural heritage and this project will allow it to become a central feature of the city’s heritage trail.”

Explaining the importance of the award, Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “We are pleased to give our initial support to this project which aims to offer visitors a better understanding of the fascinating military history of the city of York. While there is much work to be done, we look forward to receiving a full application from the York Army Museum in the future.”

Notes to editors

The York Army Museum (YAM) houses the collections of superb military artefacts and archives of three famous Yorkshire regiments; The Royal Dragoon Guards, The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire and The Yorkshire Regiment. In general, the museum is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 4.30 and on Saturdays from 10 until 4. However, it will be closed for annual refurbishment during the Christmas holidays and throughout January, re-opening for the York Visitors’ Weekend, on 28 January.

Further information

Lt Col David O’Kelly, Regimental Secretary of the Yorkshire Regiment on 01904 461 012 or Maj Graeme Green, Regimental Secretary of the Royal Dragoon Guards on 01904 461 027.