Abstract

This article details Rauma Maritime Museum’s work together with the town’s shipbuilder community to preserve and present the shipbuilders’ heritage during a turbulent time. The shipyard, which has a history of several centuries, was closed in 2014, and the future of the industry seemed threatened. The shipyard was, however, reopened, and shipbuilding continues. In the co-operation with shipbuilders, the museum found ways to fulfill its objective to actively participate in the life of the community. The work enabled the shipbuilders, with the museum’s help, to take control of their own heritage, to make decisions about it and the ways it is presented. The community and the museum have found ways to work toward shared goals, and both benefit from the other’s knowledge and expertise.