Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Local History Museum in Sleaford
Sleaford Museum was established in 2015 as a volunteer-run charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Sleaford and its surrounding areas. Our purpose-built facility in Monument Gardens houses a diverse collection of artefacts spanning Roman, Iron Age, and Bronze Age periods, alongside exhibits showcasing local industrial and social heritage. As a registered charity (No. 1044599), we rely on donations and volunteer support to maintain our collections and develop new exhibitions. Our team of dedicated volunteers curates changing displays, manages educational programmes, and organises local history talks that attract both residents and visitors.With over 20,000 visitors since opening, we provide free public access to our collections while offering opportunities for community engagement through volunteering, artefact donations, and special events. Our facilities include wheelchair accessibility, a gift shop featuring local history publications, and flexible spaces for educational activities and temporary exhibitions.
Services
Local History Exhibitions
Artefact Donations
Educational Talks
Gift Shop Sales
Volunteer Programmes
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer free access to professionally curated local history exhibitions
- Our volunteer team includes experienced local historians and curators
- We provide unique educational programmes with specialist guest speakers
- We accept artefact donations for community heritage preservation
- Our gift shop features exclusive local history publications and souvenirs
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity
What people say
Fascinating exhibits
Knowledgeable volunteers
Engaging talks
Welcoming atmosphere
Interesting artefacts
Services
Local History Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase Sleaford's 2,000-year history through archaeological finds, industrial artefacts, and social history collections. Visitors explore themed displays featuring Roman relics, Victorian gasworks equipment, and RAF memorabilia. Exhibitions change regularly to highlight different aspects of local heritage.
Educational Talks
Our monthly lecture series features expert speakers discussing Lincolnshire's history. Topics range from medieval architecture to local industrial developments, with special events like 'Talks, Teas and Teasers' combining presentations with interactive quizzes and refreshments.
Artefact Donations
We accept donations of historical objects related to Sleaford and surrounding areas. Our curators assess items for preservation and potential inclusion in exhibitions. Donors receive guidance on proper documentation and may contribute to our growing collection of community-owned heritage items.
Volunteer Programmes
Our volunteer programme welcomes individuals interested in museum operations, visitor services, and collection management. No prior experience is required. Volunteers assist with exhibitions, events, and research projects while gaining hands-on experience in heritage preservation.
Gift Shop Sales
Our gift shop offers a curated selection of local history books, postcards, and souvenirs. Featured items include specialist publications like 'The Carre's: A Lincolnshire Dynasty' and exclusive museum merchandise supporting our charitable operations.
People
Mark Bamford
Chairman and Outreach
Leading museum outreach initiatives and community engagement programmes. Coordinates special events and represents the museum at local heritage forums. Brings extensive experience in cultural project management.
Evelyne Bryant
Vice Chair, Secretary
Overseeing administrative operations and membership coordination. Manages internal communications and supports exhibition development. Contributes archival expertise to collection management.
Jonathan Smith
Treasurer
Responsible for financial management and budget oversight. Ensures fiscal compliance with charitable regulations. Advises on funding applications and financial planning for museum projects.
Jacqui Cleaver
Curator
Curating exhibitions and managing artefact collections. Conducts historical research to contextualise displays. Develops educational content for public programmes and special events.
David Marriage
Infrastructure
Maintaining museum facilities and ensuring visitor safety. Oversees building operations and accessibility improvements. Coordinates technical support for exhibitions and events.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We open Monday 12:30-3pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm, Friday 10am-12:30pm, and Saturday 10am-3pm.
Is entry free?
Admission is free, though donations are welcomed to support our charitable operations and exhibitions.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! We welcome volunteers for visitor services, exhibitions, and research. No experience required.
Do you accept artefact donations?
Yes, we accept historical items related to Sleaford. Please speak to a welcome team member for assessment.
Are there educational events?
Our monthly history talks and special events programme offers lectures, quizzes, and themed activities.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes, we are wheelchair-friendly with accessible facilities and assistance available from our staff.
Reviews (5)
Peter Lorimer
Jan 24, 2022
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While small, Sleaford Museum does manage to fit an impressive amount of material into just a single room. Friendly staff and attractive displays.
Kevin Boil
Dec 14, 2019
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Varied,quirky exhibits,of local interest, changed frequently.Surprisingly informative about Sleafords Roman &Edwardian past.Current exhibits of Pegdolls&fashions of Edwardian England. Small enough&easily navigated on one floor,was the 1950 toilet block!Accessible toilet next door.PS entrance is free,but donations are welcomed.
Mj E.
Aug 06, 2019
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A small museum with interesting items, currently the recently restored Bristol Water Fountain, and the water supply to the town.
Stephanie
Jul 18, 2019
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Ther are contemporary pieces in there but I wished there could be more pieces in 3-dimensional form but overall its a nice small place to see around and there is an upstairs and balcony to take photos from. I liked how from the entrance you get to look through the artist concept and ideas and how they evolved from to creating their final piece.
Graham Jeffery
Aug 02, 2018
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Super little museum with very interesting displays, about the Sleaford locality and people, that is well worth a second visit as the displays change every 3 months or so.
