Business Details
17 Years
experience
Discover Marlow's History & Heritage
Marlow Museum was founded in 2009 with a clear mission: to preserve and celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of Marlow and its surrounding areas. Located in the heart of Marlow, our museum serves as a vibrant community hub, offering engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs designed to connect visitors of all ages with the town's fascinating past. Our team of dedicated volunteers and trustees brings decades of combined experience in heritage preservation, curation, and community engagement.We specialise in showcasing local history through rotating exhibitions, extensive collections, and outreach initiatives that extend our reach beyond the museum walls. As a registered charity (No. 1187853), we maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability, ensuring every visitor receives accurate historical information presented in an accessible format. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our partnerships with local schools, community groups, and heritage organisations, making us a trusted custodian of Marlow's cultural legacy.
Services
Exhibitions
Collections
Educational Programs
Volunteering
Membership
Donations
Events
Family Activities
Outreach Programs
Online Shop
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission to all visitors.
- Our exhibits are designed for all ages with interactive elements.
- We provide educational programs for schools and community groups.
- Our collections include unique artefacts from Marlow's 400-year lacemaking history.
- We operate with full transparency and community accountability.
What people say
Excellent museum
Interesting exhibits
Family-friendly activities
Knowledgeable staff
Free admission
Services
Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase Marlow's rich history through carefully curated artefacts and interactive displays. From permanent collections to special themed exhibits like 'Lace: From William Borlase to Pamela Nottingham', our exhibitions provide educational value for visitors of all ages. Each display is accompanied by detailed historical context and interpretation materials.
Educational Programs
We offer tailored educational experiences for schools and community groups, including guided tours, hands-on workshops, and outreach programs. Our resources support history curriculum requirements while making local heritage accessible and engaging for students through practical learning activities and object handling sessions.
Volunteering
Volunteering opportunities include museum stewardship, collections management, and event support. No prior experience is required, with full training provided for roles that help preserve Marlow's heritage. Volunteers contribute to daily operations while gaining valuable experience in museum practices and community engagement.
Collections
Our extensive collections span from prehistoric times to the 20th century, featuring artefacts that define Marlow's development. Highlights include the Pamela Nottingham Lace Collection, historical documents, and objects from notable Marlow residents. Collections are available for research and form the basis of our exhibitions and educational programs.
Events
Regular events include lacemaking demonstrations, family workshops, and special themed activities aligned with current exhibitions. Seasonal programs feature interactive experiences like costume dressing, craft activities, and historical reenactments. Events are designed to engage visitors with Marlow's heritage through participatory learning and community involvement.
People
Alex Collingwood
Chair of Trustees
With over 15 years of experience in heritage management, Alex leads our trustee board in strategic decision-making while maintaining strong community connections to ensure the museum's continued growth and relevance.
Della Fitzgerald
Vice Chair
Della brings extensive local government experience to her role, focusing on community engagement initiatives and ensuring our programs reflect Marlow's diverse historical narratives through collaborative partnerships.
Alice Le Page
Museum Development Project Manager
Alice oversees exhibition development and educational programming, combining her expertise in museum studies with practical experience in curating interactive displays that make history accessible to all visitors.
Philip Kersey
Exhibitions & Displays Designer
Philip's creative vision transforms historical content into engaging visual displays, ensuring our exhibitions balance educational value with aesthetic appeal through innovative design solutions.
Mike Hyde
Honorary Life President
As founding member and former trustee, Mike continues to provide valuable historical insight and institutional knowledge, maintaining active involvement in special projects and community outreach initiatives.
Questions
What are Marlow Museum's opening hours?
We're open Wednesdays 2-5pm, Fridays 10-2pm, and Saturdays/Sundays/Bank Holidays 1-5pm from March to October. November to February we're open Sundays 2-4pm.
Is there an admission charge?
Entry to Marlow Museum is completely free, though voluntary donations are welcome to help maintain our services and exhibitions.
What exhibitions are currently showing?
Our current exhibition 'Lace: From William Borlase to Pamela Nottingham' runs until September 2025, showcasing Marlow's 400-year lacemaking heritage with interactive demonstrations available.
How can I support the museum?
You can support us through donations, volunteering, becoming a member, or leaving a legacy in your will. Corporate sponsorship opportunities also exist for local businesses.
Is the museum accessible for disabled visitors?
The museum has level access with ramps, though some external pathways have gradients. Accessible parking is available nearby, with assistance available from our volunteers if needed.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide tailored educational experiences for schools including guided tours, workshops, and outreach programs aligned with the national curriculum's history requirements.
