Whittlesey Museum facts for kids

Whittlesey Museum is a social history museum located on the ground floor of the early 19th century Town Hall in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Whittlesey Town Hall, seen here decorated for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, houses the Museum on its ground floor

The mission and purpose of Whittlesey Museum is to collect, care and interpret the natural and cultural heritage of Whittlesey and the surrounding area (Coates, Eastrea, Pondersbridge and Turves) for the benefit and enjoyment of students, local people and visitors. The museum was founded in 1976 and is an independent charitable trust.

The museum collections include local archaeology and archives, costume and textiles, natural sciences, coins, medals and local social and industrial history including the Whittlesey Straw Bear. Gallery displays are mounted in the former Caretaker's Cottage and the area previously used to house the town's horse-drawn fire engine. Outside in the museum's courtyard there are displays about the local brick industry and railway whilst a forge with wheelwright's bench and agricultural machinery recalls other occupations which supported the local economy.

Whittlesey Museum is Arts Council Accredited and first gained Accreditation close to the start of the scheme in 2007, having previously been a Registered Museum. The museum is a partner in the Greater Fens Partnership and one of the 'Fenland Five' museums along with Wisbech and Fenland Museum, March and District Museum and Chatteris Museum.