Uncovering the hidden histories of river folk will be explored by community group Big Fish Arts after a £45,200 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Old Man River project will uncover stories from Sheppey and Gravesend associated with the Thames, the Medway and the Swale from 1660 to 1960.

Yarns involving hulk family dwellers, barges, old salts, heroes and villains will be woven together to create an exhibition and a series of dramatic performances.

One aspect will be the histories of tenants and families that have occupied Shrimp Terrace in Marine Parade, Sheerness, which was a home to naval captains up to the First World War and taken over by Wrens in the Second World War.

This will span the years from 1880 to the present focusing on individuals whose lives were linked into local and national history.

Historic images will be gathered and pictorial guides created matching present day photographs of the same locations.

Researchers, scriptwriters, actors and directors mentored by professionals will be needed for the project.

Period costumes will be created and a series of street theatre performances mounted in various locations as well as several in a property in Shrimp Terrace.

The performances will be filmed by arts students.

A unifying theme for the dramas will be Old Man River himself in the form of an old sailor recounting historic events, salty yarns and sea-shanties. A touring exhibition featuring the imagery and information discovered is planned for summer 2012.

Head of HLF South East England Stuart McLeod said: “This project will uncover a wealth of stories derived from the rich maritime heritage of the area. They will be presented in imaginative and entertaining ways drawing in local community members, as both participants and audience.”

For Big Fish Arts, project leader Chris Reed said the group is hoping to attract more members to help with research, workshops, events and performances.

She said: “We have ambitious plans to work with schools and other organisations on Sheppey and other areas of North Kent over the next two years to bring our maritime history to life.”