A new tool called the ‘Oxfordshire Black History Map’ is drawing focus to previously unacknowledged local stories.
The project highlights 15 notable historical and cultural sites positioned across eight railway stations throughout the county.
The Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership collaborated with Black Ark Media to create this venture, aiming to motivate both residents and visitors to explore underrepresented tales and communities connected to Oxfordshire.
Alayne McDonald, community rail development manager at OxCRP, said the new Black History Map enables local people and tourists to use railway stations as entry points for discovery.
By encouraging individuals to uncover Oxfordshire’s diverse and vibrant narratives through train journeys, the map promotes deeper cultural understanding while backing sustainable travel options.
She expressed gratitude to local community groups, institutions, historical societies and residents who contributed to raising awareness of these lesser-known local histories linked to railways.
The project secured funding from Great Western Railway.
Derrick McLean, director of Black Ark Media, noted the initiative focuses on acknowledgment and understanding.
The stories presented on this map have always been present in Oxfordshire, even though they have not always been readily accessible.
Linking them to railway stations inspires people to travel with curiosity and experience the county from a more comprehensive viewpoint.
The map is available for viewing and downloading through the OxCRP website, alongside their full collection of leisure trails.