The Five Best Museums of Local History
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MORE THAN 1,000 museums across Britain are set to take part in Museums Week 1999, which starts today. To find out what's taking place at your local museum visit www.museumsweek.co.uk. Here are just a few of those involved:
Cotswolds Heritage Centre
Find out more about rural life through the ages by exploring an 18th- century correction house, or try out the Forties Food Tasting to prove that there was more to World War II recipes than Spam and luncheon meat. Music from the Chedworth Village Dance Band, original World War II jeeps and museum staff in forties dress will help to set the scene.
The centre is at Fosseway, Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3JH (details: 01451 860715). Opening hours are Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm and Sun 2pm to 5pm. Entrance costs pounds 2.50 for adults, pounds 2 for senior citizens, 80p for children and pounds 5 for a family ticket but is free on 23 and 24 May
Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
The historic buildings here are set in fifty acres of parkland and include a recreated medieval farmstead, an Elizabethan shop and a Victorian toll cottage.
The 17th-century watermill will be producing flour - for sale along with cakes and bread and there's clog dancing and early music.
The museum is at Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU (01243 811363) and is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Entrance costs pounds 5.20 for adults, pounds 2.50 for children and pounds 14 for a family ticket
Valley Inheritance Museum
Occupying a late-Georgian stable block in Pontypool, this exhibition of local paintings and artwork gives you the opportunity to peek at the local talent. And, on 17 May, Poets and Pints, an evening of comedy and song with the Tyleri writers, is scheduled in the outdoor performance centre, Courtyard Arts.
The museum is at Park Building, Pontypool, Torfaen, Wales, NP4 6JH (01495 752036). Opening hours are Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 2pm to 5pm and prices are pounds 2.50 for adults, pounds 1.20 children and pounds 2.50 for a family ticket
Ragged School Museum
A community museum with displays on working and home life in the East End. The school was founded by Dr Banardo in 1872 and now contains a recreated classroom where children can take part in an authentic Victorian lesson. East End Threads, opening on 19 May, is an exhibition of the clothing industry in Spitalfields and Whitechapel over the last 400 years and features exhibits on everything from Huguenot silk weavers and Jewish tailors to the area's modern day Bangladeshi community.
The museum is at 46-50 Copperfield Road, London E3 4RR (0181-980 6405) and is open from Wed-Thurs between 10am and 5pm and, on the first Sunday of each month, from 2pm to 5pm. Entrance is free but for school groups it is pounds 2 per head
West Kilbride Museum Trust
Alongside the permanent collection of local history displays and OS Ayrshire maps in the village hall of West Kilbride, Museums' Week includes the opening of an exhibition local artists' work and an Ayrshire farms and produce display.
The Public Hall is at 1 Arthur Street, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, KA23 9EN and will be open on Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Entrance is free
Lucy Gillmore
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments