Curtis Museum facts for kids
The Curtis Museum is a fascinating place in Alton, England. It is a local history museum, which means it tells the story of the area and its people. You can find it in the county of Hampshire.
A doctor named William Curtis started the museum in 1865. He wanted to collect and share important items from Alton's past. In 2014, the museum became part of the Hampshire Cultural Trust. This group helps look after many museums in Hampshire.
What You Can Discover
The Curtis Museum has many cool things to see. These displays help you learn about different times in history:
- Tools from long ago: See tools used by people in Prehistoric times.
- Roman treasures: Discover bowls and other items from Roman times. One special cup was found nearby in Selborne.
- Anglo-Saxon buckle: Look at the famous Alton buckle from the Anglo-Saxon period.
- English Civil War: Find objects from the Battle of Alton in 1643. This was an important battle during the English Civil War.
- Jane Austen's world: Explore items connected to the "Jane Austen Trail." Jane Austen was a famous writer who lived nearby.
- Local stories: Learn about the local story of Fanny Adams from 1867.
- Farming and drinks: See how people used to pick hops and make drinks in the area.
Saving the Museum
In 2010, the Curtis Museum faced a challenge. It was at risk of closing down. But many people wanted to keep it open. The Hampshire Museums and Galleries Trust stepped in to help. They worked with volunteers to keep the museum running. This showed how much the community valued its history. By 2014, the local council took over management again. Thanks to these efforts, the Curtis Museum is still open for everyone to enjoy today.
