Making RNLI history work for the futureHeritage is very important to the RNLI. It's not just about having a collection of lifeboats and equipment from yesteryear, it is also about social history. Over the years the RNLI has amassed a vast collection of art, objects and archives that would interest the most cynical of observers while raising awareness and encouraging future support. To preserve the collections and its museums the RNLI is setting up a heritage trust as a separate charity. The Lifeboat speaks to Heritage Manager Joanna Archibald to find out moreWhy does the RNLI need a separate trust? The RNLI's mission, by Royal Charter, is to 'save lives at sea' and this prevents us from spending substantial sums of money on heritage. A separate charitable trust will be able to apply for funding from heritage and other grant giving bodies.

How exactly will it get funding? As well as a limited annual grant from the RNLI, the trust will look to raise funds from special events and sponsorship at its five core museums and, eventually, through a range of heritage shop items. I must stress that fundraising for museums and collections will be kept distinct - it is not trying to compete with the RNLI's own fundraising. Heritage grants will be sought from national and regional trust funds, particularly towards conservation and education work. We are awaiting the outcome of a £1M heritage lottery fund bid to completely redisplay the Grace Darling Museum at Bamburgh.We are also rebuilding the Henry Blogg Museum at Cromer as part of the town's regeneration scheme. If people want to make a donation specifically for RNLI heritage or a museum project, we would be delighted.

What sort of items do you have in the collection? There is everything from complete historic lifeboats to a brass doorknocker in the shape of a lifeboatman.There is a fine collection of paintings and prints, medals and certificates, memorabilia, commemorative items, collection boxes, ornaments, clothing, charts, models and technical equipment. Our current estimate is 2,600 objects plus some 20,000 historic photographs and TOO historic films.

There is also a research archive that holds a wealth of historical RNLI information as well as some more obscure items such as 1930s knitting patterns for crew clothing and sheet music literally singing the praises of famous rescues.

What preservation work needs doing? Many items are fragile and have not always been displayed or stored as they should have been in the past. Delicate objects are prone to fading, weakening and structural damage unless we intervene and, depending on the object, conservation work can be expensive and time consuming. Our current priorities are the collections at the Grace Darting Museum and the Henry Blogg Museum and we are forming a policy about the best way to care for our historic lifeboats. If our collections are kept in the best possible conditions, they will still be around for future generations to enjoy How do I go about donating an item to the collection? Write to me at: RNLI Headquarters, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. If possible, enclose a picture of the object. Due to the volume of objects we already have, we are not looking for duplicates. But if it's something that we don't already have, we may be interested in acquiring it. We are only looking to collect RNLI related-material and the more background history you can supply the better. We would especially welcome any items that fill gaps in the existing collection.

How will this all encourage future support? The redeveloped museums will be able to tell their stories in the way they deserve. I would defy anyone not to be moved by the histories of Grace Darling or Coxswain Henry Blogg.

The museums are regional ambassadors for the RNLI and will be engaging, educational and enjoyable - a great way to encourage long-term support for the future..