Oxfordshire Black History Map shines light on local history

The map highlights 15 historic and cultural points of interest across eight railway stations in the county.

Developed by the Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP) in collaboration with Black Ark Media, the map aims to inspire residents and visitors to explore lesser-known stories and communities connected to Oxfordshire.

Alayne McDonald, community rail development manager at OxCRP, said: “Our new Black History Map supports local people and visitors to use stations as gateways to discovery.

“By inviting people to explore the county’s rich and diverse stories by rail, the map supports greater cultural understanding while promoting active and sustainable travel.

“We are grateful to the local community groups, institutions, historical societies and individuals who have helped us to highlight underrepresented local histories linked to rail.”

The project was made possible through funding from Great Western Railway.

Derrick McLean, director of Black Ark Media, said: “This is about visibility and understanding.

“The stories on this map have always been part of Oxfordshire, but they have not always been easy to find.

“Linking them to stations invites people to travel with curiosity and see the county through a fuller lens.”

The map is available to view and download on the OxCRP website, alongside the organisation’s full collection of leisure trails.