Business Details
15 Years
experience
Your Local Mining History Museum in Bilsthorpe
Established in 2011, Bilsthorpe Mining Museum emerged from the community's commitment to preserving local mining history. Initially housed in repurposed squash courts behind the Village Hall, our collection grew rapidly, leading to the museum's official opening in July 2014. We specialise in showcasing the evolution of Bilsthorpe Colliery, one of Nottinghamshire's most productive mines, through an extensive array of mining equipment, archival materials, and social memorabilia. Our charitable status, awarded in 2017, underscores our dedication to maintaining historical integrity while engaging with schools and community groups. Volunteers play a central role in our operations, offering free guided tours, educational talks, and hands-on experiences like dressing as a miner.The museum's research resources include the comprehensive CHAD newspaper archives dating back to 1886, alongside photographs and records from local collieries. Our Miners' Memorial Garden provides a reflective space for visitors, complementing exhibits that illustrate the transition from industrial mining to contemporary community heritage. Recognised with 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor and Google, we thrive through cash donations and volunteer contributions, ensuring accessibility for all. Our seasonal opening hours and special events reflect our commitment to fostering local engagement and preserving Bilsthorpe's industrial legacy for future generations.
Services
Mining Museum Tours
Historical Research Access
Educational Talks
Volunteer Opportunities
Memorial Garden Visits
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer free museum entry and guided tours led by knowledgeable former miners.
- Our collection contains the most comprehensive mining archives in Nottinghamshire.
- We provide educational outreach programs with authentic historical artefacts.
- Our volunteers include experts with decades of local mining industry experience.
- We maintain the Miners' Memorial Garden as a dedicated space for remembrance.
Associations and certifications
- Accredited Charity
What people say
Award-winning collection
Free guided tours
Wonderful visit
Informative volunteers
Excellent refreshments
Services
Mining Museum Tours
Explore Bilsthorpe Colliery's history through curated exhibits featuring mining equipment, archival photographs, and original documents. Volunteers provide expert commentary covering operational timelines from 1925-1997. Educational displays include safety equipment and social memorabilia illustrating community life around the mines.
Educational Outreach
Former miners deliver school presentations using authentic artefacts to teach about industrial heritage. Sessions cover mining techniques, safety practices, and historical context from the 1920s-1990s. Teachers receive supporting materials aligning with curriculum requirements for local history studies.
Historical Research Access
Access CHAD newspaper archives from 1886 onwards, colliery maps, and photographic records. Researchers consult original documents with staff guidance during timed appointments. Limited digitisation services available for preservation purposes. Materials support academic studies and local genealogy projects.
Volunteer Opportunities
Participate in museum operations from tour guiding to garden maintenance. Training provided for historical interpretation and artefact handling. Volunteers assist with event organisation and contribute creative skills to craft fundraising projects. Flexible time commitments accepted.
Memorial Garden Maintenance
Volunteers tend to a wildlife-friendly garden commemorating miners lost during Bilsthorpe Colliery operations. Features include native planting, bird habitats, and interpretive signage. The space hosts remembrance events annually on 18th August, preserving community remembrance traditions.
People
Andrea Swallow
Archivist/Funding Officer
Secured museum accreditation in 2017 through two years of dedicated effort. Manages research archives and coordinates fundraising initiatives. Specialises in historical document preservation and grant applications. Provides expertise on mining heritage research.
Bob Bradley
Trustee
Awarded honorary Doctorate of Science by University of Nottingham for historical preservation work. Serves as museum trustee while maintaining expertise from former colliery surveyor career. Guides archival development and educational programs.
Questions
What are the museum's entry fees?
Entry is completely free with voluntary cash donations accepted for maintenance costs and school programs.
When can I visit the museum?
Open Wednesdays 10-16:00 and Sundays 10-16:00 from March 30 to October 22. Winter hours available until March 28.
Can I volunteer at the museum?
Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. No specific skills required - roles include tour guiding, gardening, and event support.
What research materials are available?
The museum houses Mansfield CHAD archives from 1886, colliery maps, and photographic records. Contact staff for appointment access.
Are school visits available?
Yes - former miners deliver educational talks using artefacts. Sessions include dressing-up activities and tailored curriculum support.
How can I support the museum?
Support through cash donations, purchasing hand-crafted items, or participating in the Newark and Sherwood Community Lottery.
Reviews (5)
Peter Squires
Oct 20, 2021
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As a former worker down Bilsthorpe Colliery this place is a true reminder of life down the pit, filled with artefacts from above and below ground during the Colliery's 70-year life, and the Heritage museum also displays life in the village before and during the mines existence! Who better to show you round the museum than residents and former Miners. You might even get a cuppa tea! Who Knows! Well Worth a Visit!
Andrew Ley
Oct 15, 2021
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Proper gem stone of history me being former miner took me back my partner was fascinated not massive place but well worth a visit to history . Ron showed us round very noligable free to go but donations are welcome to keep the up keep well done to all that work there
Mark Crane
Sep 16, 2021
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A great little museum, that's a treasure trove of local mining history. The volunteers that run the place are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, we visited as a family and spent a good couple of hours here, definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Vic Lumley
Jul 10, 2021
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A museum ran by volunteers. The museum as only been open since 2014. I was lucky in that I was the only person being shown around, so that meant that I was able to really look at the artifacts. I enjoyed the fact that they are an Heritage Museum as they had a few itews that today's youth would only have seen on TV.
Heather
Jun 10, 2021
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Cute little local museum with some interesting displays on coal mining. Ran by volunteers and completely free - worth a visit if you have any interest in the coal mining strikes in the 80s.
