25th Anniversary Exhibitions
To mark this significant anniversary for the museum, former Hon. Curator Jane Higgs MBE, has returned to curate two exhibitions, along with volunteers from our curatorial team.
Discovering History Through 25 Objects
From 25th June, museum visitors will be treated to a display of donated items in the ground floor galleries that all have a story to tell; including many objects never on show before as well as some old favourites.
Exploring Change in the Eden Valley
On the first floor, the model of our relief road will have additional information about archaeological finds during the construction, as well as multiple display panels highlighting various changes over time including farming, shops, industry, healthcare and community events.
Photo right – Brass Oil Lamp used by the Withers family at Bayleaf, Bough Beech and Somerden Green Cottages, Chiddingstone. EDEVT:183
African horns brought back by Edward Jenner from Boer War (1899-1902). EDEVT:157
War Cabinets
The museum holds a significant number of artefacts relating to WW2, WW1 and the Boer War. In the coming months our curatorial volunteers will be re-instating displays of these items in the cabinets in the Courtyard Bedroom first-floor gallery. In addition to the African horns, the museum also has a book, The Theatre of War, a souvenir of the Boer War, previously owned by Henry Withers of Somerden Green. The book includes 162 portraits and illustrations. Anyone interested in this conflict can arrange to view the book by contacting our research team enquiries@evmt.org.uk.
80th Anniversary of VE Day
From 7th May there will be a temporary display in the ground floor gallery reflecting on the events eighty years ago when the war in Europe ended. This will be followed up in August by a temporary display with personal stories about VJ Day.
Support your museum
The success of the museum relies upon volunteers from the local community and our team of volunteers is not a static entity. As volunteers retire or move away, we need others ready to step into roles. As an accredited museum there are many online and in-person training opportunities run by Museum Development South-East (MDSE) to help new volunteers take on a responsible role, from serving on the Board as a Trustee helping to direct the future of the museum, developing skills related to setting up exhibitions, or learning how to care and conserve objects and images. Expenses can be paid for volunteers travelling to attend an in-person training day. Our Meet and Greet Stewards receive in-house training. We’re a friendly dedicated team – come and join us and help us to serve the community for another 25 years! Email curatorial.coms@evmt.org.uk
