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Making the most of your local museums and heritage centres

Man visiting heritage centre (AI generated image)

As an activity coordinator in the UK, you have a wealth of venues at your disposal to engage your community. Don't miss out on these often under utilised but incredibly rich resources, your local museums and heritage centres.

These cultural hubs offer a unique blend of education, history, and community engagement that can significantly enhance your activities.


Consider how you can make the most of your local museums and heritage centres.




Museums and heritage centres host a variety of special events: Be sure to pick up their leaflets which list upcoming events, it's much easier to share these with residents to get a sense of what they might enjoy.


Likewise, share leaflets which showcase any themed exhibitions. These may be based around significant historical events, local history, or cultural themes. For example, exhibitions on World War II, local industrial heritage, or seasonal celebrations.


Museums and heritage centres are excellent educational resources too. Arrange educational field trips. Speak to the curators about possible guided tours, interactive exhibits, and suitable hands-on activities.


Arrange to attend workshops on various topics such as archaeology, local history, art, and conservation. Tailor these workshops for different abilities and interests.


If your numbers are small in regards to interest, contact your local schools to see if those interested could join in with a school visit.


You may be able to use your local museum and/or heritage centres to find out about speakers, historians, and experts who would be willing to visit your care home as a guest speaker on relevant topics. These events can attract both enthusiasts and those eager to learn.


Organise themed parties, such as a Victorian tea party or a 1920s Gatsby night, using a visit to see the museum’s exhibits and collections to enhance the experience.


Partnering with museums and heritage centres can be mutually beneficial.


Look out for dates when they showcase artwork created by local artists, schools, or community groups. This can foster local talent and engage diverse segments of the community. If interest is high, get involved. Speak to staff about the possibility of exhibiting artwork by residents.


Is there an opportunity to host charity galas, auctions, or benefit nights at the museum? You could partner with the museum to promote the event and secure a portion of ticket sales or donations for a local cause.


Collaborate on events such as historical reenactments, heritage walks, or cultural festivals. se each other’s marketing channels to reach a wider audience. Promote museum events through your networks and vice versa. Shared resources and promotion can lead to greater success.


Before you visit ensure that exhibits and events are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes wheelchair access, tactile displays, and audio guides. Discussing accessibility with museum staff can help you gain a clearer understanding of what accessibility means to your residents. If you are knowledgeable about accessibility, you may be able to help them too.


Work with the museum to create outreach programmes that bring museum experiences to those who cannot visit in person. They may welcome the opportunity to trial new programmes with the residents in your care home. Whilst residents benefit from everything these outreach programmes have to offer.


Your local museums and heritage centres are treasure troves of opportunities for community engagement. By hosting special events and educational programmes, you can create memorable and impactful experiences for your community. Forming partnerships and ensuring accessibility will further broaden your reach and effectiveness. With thoughtful planning and effective promotion, your local museums and heritage centres can become cornerstones of your community activities, enriching lives through history and culture. So, next time you’re planning an event, consider the many possibilities your local museums and heritage centres have to offer.





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