Business Details
Thornbury & District Museum: Exploring Local History & Heritage
Thornbury & District Museum is a community-driven institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Thornbury and the lower Severn Vale. Established through the passion of local volunteers, we serve as a custodian of regional heritage, offering free access to permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore local traditions, historical figures, and cultural artefacts. Our team, composed entirely of dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly to collect, document, and display items of historical significance, from the 1900 Thornbury Quilt to the Severn salmon fishing heritage. We actively engage with schools, families, and researchers, providing educational programs and guided walks to foster a deeper understanding of our shared past. The museum operates on a shoestring budget, relying on donations, shop sales, and community support to maintain its operations.Our commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can explore Thornbury's history, whether through physical visits, online resources, or participation in events like talks and heritage trails. We pride ourselves on being a hub for local knowledge, where residents and visitors alike can uncover stories of the market town, its people, and their occupations across centuries. From Roman coin hoards to Second World War evacuations, our exhibitions offer a window into the diverse narratives that shape this region. By bridging the past and present, we aim to inspire future generations to value and preserve their cultural legacy.
Services
Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Guided Walks
Heritage Trails
Research Assistance
Volunteer Opportunities
Museum Shop
Family Activities
Local History Talks
Community Events
Highlights and features
- We offer free entry to permanent and temporary exhibitions on local history.
- Our volunteer team ensures community-driven preservation and engagement.
- We provide educational programs for schools, families, and researchers.
- Our collections include unique artefacts like the 1900 Thornbury Quilt.
- We host events like heritage trails and guided walks for immersive learning.
Services
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions showcase Thornbury's history through artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors explore themes like the 1900 Thornbury Quilt, Roman coin hoards, and Second World War evacuations. Each exhibition is curated to highlight unique aspects of the region's cultural and historical identity.
Educational Programs
We offer tailored programs for schools, families, and researchers, including workshops and guided tours. These sessions focus on local history, heritage preservation, and hands-on learning to engage all age groups in understanding Thornbury's past.
Heritage Trails
Self-guided and guided heritage trails lead visitors through Thornbury's historic landmarks, such as Thornbury Castle and the Market Hall. These trails provide insights into the town's evolution, key figures, and architectural significance.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a vital role in museum operations, from curating exhibits to leading tours. We welcome individuals to contribute skills in research, education, or event organisation, fostering community engagement and shared stewardship of local heritage.
Research Assistance
We support researchers with access to archives, documents, and expert guidance on Thornbury's history. Our resources include family history records, historical maps, and materials related to local trades, professions, and cultural traditions.
Questions
Is entry to the museum free?
Yes, all exhibitions and the museum shop are free to visit.
What are the museum's opening hours?
We are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 1-4pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm.
Can I volunteer at the museum?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to assist with exhibitions, events, and research.
Does the museum host events for families?
Yes, we offer family-friendly activities, guided walks, and educational workshops.
Where is the museum located?
We are at 4 Chapel Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2BJ.
Reviews (7)
Stan Morrissey
Feb 10, 2020
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Best museum in Thornbury! Small but very active with changing themed exhibitions. Run entirely by volunteers who do a great job. Drop in and look around.
Lorna Smith
Nov 18, 2019
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Interesting town museum with lovely locals running it. Very sweet activity for the kids...if you can find all the mice in the museum you get to take a hand knitted home. Our girls loved it (9 and 14 years old).
Craig Baker
Nov 07, 2019
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Extremely helpful couple of ladies as we entered - recently lost my dad in February and didn't know much about his dad and his family going back generations and it took us to the area. The main woman behind the desk was very helpful in pointing out some useful socicitys and people that might be able to help :)
Allan Green
Oct 25, 2019
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Well worth the visit. It may be small, but it's packed full of information. I particularly liked the list of local slang words and their meanings.
David Brearley
Jun 12, 2018
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Interesting little museum about the history of Thornburg, with very friendly and knowledgeable curators. Only small but requires about an hour to read/look at things. Finding hidden object activities were available for the kids which they really enjoyed. Free to enter but there is a donations box.
Ann Jones
Nov 07, 2016
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Excellent small museum. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable about the items in the museum and can also help with family history research.
Chris Doig
Jul 15, 2016
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A small museum run entirely by volunteers. Displays include the Romans coins found in the area and other signs of Roman life in the area. There are also changing displays on various aspects of local life and history. Do ask the volunteers for more information they love to help.
