Pen Museum facts for kids
The Pen Museum is a special place in Birmingham, England. It tells the story of how steel pens were made in Birmingham. This city was once the world's main place for making pens! It is the only museum in the United Kingdom focused on the history of pen making.
The museum is managed by the Birmingham Pen Trade Heritage Association. This group started in 1996 to help keep the history of pen making alive. They became a special kind of charity in 2018.
Where is the Pen Museum?
The Pen Museum is in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter. It is inside a building called the Argent Centre. This building is very old and important. It used to be a pen factory itself! It is now a Grade II* listed building, which means it is protected because of its history and special design.
The museum first opened its doors in April 2001. A new gallery, the Philp Poole Room, opened in June 2002. Later, in November 2016, the museum added a new exhibition area and shop with a new entrance.
Birmingham's Pen History
In the 1800s, Birmingham was a huge center for making steel pens. About 100 different companies in the city made and sold these pens. Pen nibs made here were sent all over the world!
However, things changed when fountain pens and later ballpoint pens became popular. These new pens slowly took over the market. The Pen Museum helps us understand this history. It shares stories about the people who owned the pen companies and the workers who made the pens. You can also learn how steel pen nibs were created. The museum has many old pen nibs on display.
Beyond steel pens, the museum also teaches about other ways people have written throughout history. It covers different types of writing tools and the general history of writing.
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What Can You Do at the Museum?
The Pen Museum offers many fun ways to learn. You can see interesting displays and take tours with friendly volunteer guides. They also have demonstrations and "hands-on" activities.
You can try writing with different kinds of pens, just like people did long ago. You can even try out early typewriters and Braille machines. One of the most exciting activities is making your own pen nib! You get to use the same kinds of machines that were used in real factories.
The museum also holds special workshops for families and community groups. They offer talks about the history of the pen trade. If you are interested in your family's history, the museum can even help with genealogy research. There is an admission fee to enter the museum.
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