Business Details
37 Years
experience
Rustington Museum - Exploring the History of Rustington
Rustington Museum, an Accredited Museum since 2006, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Rustington. Located in the Samuel Wickens Centre, our institution combines extensive collections, interactive exhibitions, and community engagement to provide a comprehensive exploration of local heritage. Our team, led by Museum Manager Holly Parsons with a MSc in Heritage and Museum Studies, brings decades of expertise in curatorial practices and historical research.We offer tailored educational programs, including our Handling Collection for schools and reminiscence sessions, alongside an accessible Local Studies area for researchers. Supported by dedicated volunteers and the Rustington Heritage Association, we ensure the stories of Rustingtons past remain accessible to future generations through innovative exhibitions and oral history projects.
Services
Handling Collection
Museum Exhibitions
Historical Talks
Local Studies Access
Oral History Hub
Family Trail
Art Storage
Documentation Services
Photography Services
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are an Accredited Museum since 2006 with professionally managed collections.
- Our Handling Collection supports tailored educational sessions for schools and groups.
- Museum Manager holds a MSc in Heritage and Museum Studies with sector experience.
- Interactive exhibitions and oral history hubs engage visitors of all ages.
- Volunteers contribute to cataloguing, research, and community outreach programs.
What people say
Lovely local museum
Interactive exhibits
Helpful staff
Great for schools
Rich history
Services
Handling Collection
Our Handling Collection provides schools and community groups with curated artefacts and replicas for hands-on learning. Items cover themes like the Home Front, Childhood, and local history. The collection is adaptable for tailored sessions, supporting curriculum topics and reminiscence activities for all ages.
Historical Talks
Museum staff deliver expert-led talks on Rustingtons history, famous residents, and exhibitions. Presentations include interactive elements like quizzes and are suitable for schools, societies, and events. Talks draw on our archives and collections for authentic insights.
Local Studies Access
The Local Studies area offers books, maps, postcards, and archives for researching Rustingtons past. Open to casual visitors and academics, it includes directories and documents detailing the villages development, available for public exploration and study.
Oral History Hub
Our oral history hub preserves personal accounts of Rustingtons history through recorded interviews. Visitors can listen to stories about the villages evolution, key events, and community life, providing a living record of local experiences and traditions.
Interactive Exhibitions
Explore Rustingtons history through interactive exhibits, including a family trail and digital street exploration. Exhibitions feature rotating displays on topics like shops, music, and wartime, combining artefacts, multimedia, and community contributions for immersive learning.
People
Holly Parsons
Museum Manager
Holly Parsons, Museum Manager since June 2025, has over a decade of experience in heritage institutions including Kew Palace and Brightons Royal Pavilion. She holds an MSc in Heritage and Museum Studies and specialises in curatorial practices and community engagement.
Questions
What are Rustington Museum’s opening hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, with a lunch break from 1pm to 1:30pm. Admission is free.
Can schools borrow items from the museum?
Yes, our Handling Collection offers artefacts and replicas for educational use. Schools can tailor selections to their curriculum topics.
Does the museum offer talks or lectures?
Yes, our Museum Manager provides tailored talks on Rustington’s history, including interactive elements for groups and events.
How can I access the Local Studies collection?
The Local Studies area is open during museum hours for researchers and casual enquirers. It includes books, maps, and archives on Rustington’s history.
Are there volunteer opportunities at the museum?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to assist with cataloguing, stewarding, and community projects. Contact us for details on joining our team.
