The National Maritime Museum Cornwall, based on Discovery Quay in Falmouth, has announced the launch of a new social media community engagement campaign: Cornwall, The Sea, and Me.

Nowhere in Cornwall is more than 17 miles from the sea. This proximity has shaped both the landscape and its people and the museum will celebrate this through social media inviting members of the public to share their stories, personal connections and memories of the sea in Cornwall.

The aim is to create an online gallery highlighting the county's connection to the sea - and the wide ranging stories around it, and what it means to people who live and visit here.

Richard Doughty, Director of The National Maritime Museum Cornwall said:

Our shared identity and history is firmly rooted in our relationship with the sea and how it has shaped lives and society and that's very much a part of the story the National Maritime Museum Cornwall tells in it's Cornwall Galleries. As we plan our future development we're looking to engage the community in sharing their stories of their connections to the sea. These stories will also form part of the museum's wider consultation with communities to inform the future content of our Cornwall galleries.

Lauren Hogan, The Museum's Digital Marketing Manager said:

We hope this social media campaign will create an online gallery capturing a picture of Cornwall's relationship to the sea today and in the past. Social media offers an easy way for the entire community to be involved, share their stories, and include their voices, and we can't wait to see the images and stories that will be told.

People are asked to share their seaside memories and stories and images, and explore their own personal connections to the sea, whether it be a source of livelihood, their favourite ways to spend their and relaxation time, inspiration for creativity, memories, family connections, or other interesting stories.

The campaign will run for 12 months and those who get involved will have the opportunity to see their contributions

- Shared across the museum's social media channels
- Forming a digital gallery on the museum's website
- On a digital interactive display that will be a part of the National Maritime Museum's Cornwall and The Sea gallery
- Printed in the acclaimed annual journal Fathom

The campaign is part of a wider community consultation process that will help inform the development of new exhibition content, as the Museum plans its future.

Local businesses are supporting the campaign by providing fantastic prizes for a monthly winner chosen by the Museum team.

Prizes have been donated by The Greenbank Hotel, Budock Vean Hotel, Koru Kayaking, The Chainlocker, The Rosevine Hotel, Falmouth WESUP Centre on Gylly Beach, and Rick Stein to name a few.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall will share their favourite photography, video and stories across their own social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to curate an official online gallery.

How people can take part:

- Share images via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – tag the museum and use the hashtag
- Share words by Twitter and the website – tag the museum and use the hashtag
- Share Video by Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook – tag the museum and use the hashtag

You can also submit via the website Follow the campaign via the museum's social media channels via Facebook , Twitter , Instagram

The campaign is part of the Museum's wider consultation with communities to inform the future content of their Cornwall galleries. You can get involved by completing an online survey on the Museum's website