Salt of the Earth
Sunday 2 August 2026 — Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Salt of the Earth was created for the Festival of Archaeology 2026 and explored the history of salt, industry and everyday life through objects, stories and hands-on participation.
Developed with Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, the event invited visitors to encounter local industrial heritage in an informal, accessible way through object handling, conversation and a specially created sensory story.
The sensory story used touch, sound, smell and material prompts to bring the history of salt and the surrounding industrial landscape to life, giving visitors another way into the subject beyond written interpretation or a formal talk.
The session combined research, interpretation and object-based learning, with opportunities for visitors to handle materials, ask questions and explore the relationship between salt, science, industry and the local landscape.
Rather than presenting the history as a single narrative, the activity was designed to encourage curiosity and allow people to engage at their own pace.
Salt of the Earth formed part of Kin by Nettie’s Festival of Archaeology programme and helped extend the festival across different venues and different ways of experiencing heritage.
The project was also supported by local community donations, with members of Helsby Random Acts of Kindness contributing objects and materials for the Apothecary.
