Business Details
Explore Mid Devon's History at Tiverton Museum
Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life was established by passionate individuals dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Mid Devon. Our extensive collections showcase the everyday lives of local communities, from lace-making and agriculture to transportation and domestic life. As a registered charity, we prioritise accessibility, education, and community engagement through exhibitions, school programs, and research resources. Our family-friendly environment welcomes visitors to explore historical artefacts, including the iconic Tivvy Bumper steam engine. We actively seek donations of objects to expand our collections and ensure future generations understand their local history.Through museum talks, loan boxes, and reminiscence therapy sessions, we connect people with Mid Devon's past. Our team collaborates with historians, educators, and volunteers to maintain high standards of curation and public service. The museum serves as both a cultural hub and Tiverton's Tourist Information Centre, offering comprehensive visitor support. We adhere to rigorous preservation practices while embracing modern educational techniques. Our commitment to transparency and community stewardship has made us a trusted institution in Devon's cultural landscape.
Services
Museum Exhibits
School Workshops
Loan Boxes
Reminiscence Therapy
Museum Talks
Event Hosting
Object Donations
Research Support
Tourist Information
Highlights and features
- We are a registered charity dedicated to preserving Mid Devon's heritage
- Our family-friendly museum offers immersive historical experiences for all ages
- We provide curriculum-linked school programs and educational loan boxes
- Our collections include unique artefacts like the Tivvy Bumper steam engine
- We combine traditional curation with modern educational techniques
Services
Museum Exhibits
Our permanent and temporary exhibits explore Mid Devon's social and industrial history through authentic artefacts, interactive displays, and curated narratives. Visitors engage with themes like lace-making, agriculture, and transport. The Tivvy Bumper steam engine remains a centrepiece attraction.
School Workshops
Curriculum-linked workshops provide hands-on learning experiences for students. Activities include object handling, historical enquiry, and creative projects using our loan boxes containing replica artefacts and teaching resources.
Object Donations
We actively seek donations of items representing Mid Devon's heritage. Our curatorial team assesses potential acquisitions to ensure they align with our collection policy and preservation standards for future generations.
Research Support
The museum library houses specialist resources including local history publications, maps, and digitised archives. Researchers receive guidance from experienced staff to explore genealogy, industrial history, and cultural studies.
Community Engagement
Through reminiscence therapy sessions, museum talks, and outreach initiatives, we connect diverse audiences with regional heritage. Our programs foster intergenerational learning and social inclusion within the community.
Questions
What are the museum's main exhibits?
Our exhibits showcase Mid Devon's history through artefacts from lace-making, agriculture, transportation, and domestic life, including the Tivvy Bumper steam engine.
Does the museum offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide curriculum-linked workshops, loan boxes, and reminiscence therapy sessions for schools and educational groups.
Can I donate historical objects to the museum?
We welcome donations of Mid Devon-related artefacts. Contact our curators to discuss potential contributions to our collections.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Our museum is designed to be accessible for all visitors, with facilities and assistance available upon request.
Does the museum host special events?
We regularly organise talks, themed exhibitions, and community events celebrating Mid Devon's cultural heritage.
Can I conduct historical research at the museum?
Our library and archives support research into local history, with specialist resources and staff assistance available.
Reviews (4)
Jenny Dobson
Aug 14, 2021
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We have just had a wonderful, interactive, informative and great fun visit to Tiverton museum. Super friendly staff. Lovely children's activities, dressing up fun, question sheet to answer. I would definitely recommend visiting for a history overview of Devon and Tiverton.
Judi Thomas
Feb 18, 2020
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It’s a great place to explore history of the local area. Plenty to see and do for adults and children alike with friendly and welcoming staff and volunteers. Well worth a visit.
Caroline Walsh
Apr 19, 2019
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Fascinating morning exploring my family history - the Jenkins family who lived at 16 Fore Street and ran the Co-op (I could add to the Fore street booklet if required). Just what a museum should be documenting social history and capturing a way of life now gone.
Fay Williams
Aug 30, 2018
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We had a great time doing the trash or treasure trail, my children had a fantastic time as alway at the museum. Highlight were the metal detecting tray and as always visiting the tivvy bumper.
