Many thanks for updating me on your progress in applying for a grant to develop a cultural center and heritage museum in Barnsley. I can’t think of a better tribute to the people of the community and to the city’s historical significance to all of England. My time in Barnsley with you last year was indeed instructional and inspiring. While, because of my work in the American labor movement, I knew something of the labor struggles in England, I had no idea of just how important your part of the country would be in understanding that history. As you know, after that trip, I actually joined the Yorkshire Society. I’ve already begun incorporating much of what I learned in my “Barnsley experience” into my work as a Research Scholar at the University of California Los Angeles but realize I need even more information for my research, so. I hope to return soon. In fact, I was so impressed with the time I spent in Barnsley, learning of its history and significance, that in 2007, when I lead the first of a series of tours of England for a group of American philanthropists, I’m planning to schedule time to bring them to Barnsley. In future years, were the center and museum to become reality, I would have an even more impressive site for the tours to stop. As an academic, sociologist, Anglophile, and lone American Women’s Institute member, I can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to the rich history and contributions of Barnsley than to have a cultural center/museum which would draw people from all over the world. Best wishes in your efforts. Sincerely, Mary Valentine |