Welsh History Museum in Snowdonia Restored with Slate
- Snowdonia Museum undergoes restoration to highlight Welsh history.
- Slate to be put back at the center of Welsh history as part of Unesco world heritage site.
- Up-to-date visitor attraction to serve as a core feature of the museum.
The once-bustling slate quarry above Llanberis, now a quiet remnant of the past, played a pivotal role in shaping Wales' social and cultural landscape. The slate industry, which thrived for generations, has faded into a post-industrial memory. Jane Richardson, chief executive of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, emphasized the museum's commitment to preserving the stories of the people and their culture, alongside the survival of the Welsh language. In a significant development, the National Slate Museum, Amgueddfa Lechi Cymru, has secured an initial grant of £400,000 to enhance its visitor experience and establish itself as a central feature of the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition, awarded three years ago, highlights the region's historical importance in providing slate for 19th-century construction, a material that transformed life in Wales and beyond. Despite the long-standing acknowledgment of coal miners' contributions, the slate industry's impact has often been overlooked. The dramatic landscape, marked by the scars of quarrying, serves as a testament to an industry that, while still operational, has significantly diminished in scale. The museum, which opened in 1972 in the historic Victorian workshops, aims to connect with communities and showcase the national collection through innovative exhibitions. Richardson noted that the development of new creative spaces will allow the museum to present its collection and exhibitions to a wider audience in North Wales, marking a new chapter in the celebration of Welsh heritage.