Business Details
38 Years
experience
Discover Dollar's History at Dollar Museum
Dollar Museum is an independent local institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and heritage of Dollar, a village in Clackmannanshire, Scotland. Established in 1988, we occupy two floors of a historic early 19th-century woollen mill, now known as Castle Campbell Hall. Our collection spans from prehistoric artefacts to contemporary exhibits, offering a comprehensive narrative of the area's evolution. We have received recognition for our community engagement, including a Museum of the Year Award in 2000, and continue to develop innovative displays, such as our state-of-the-art archive and reading room funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.Our exhibitions, including the acclaimed Devon Valley Railway display and annual themed showcases like the 2025 Dollar Water Mills exhibition, reflect decades of dedicated research and community collaboration. We provide accessible educational resources, including family history research materials and interactive exhibits for children, while maintaining strong ties with local historians and institutions. As a charity run entirely by volunteers, we rely on donations and community support to maintain our operations and expand our offerings.
Services
Historical Exhibitions
Family Research
Educational Events
Museum Shop
Archival Access
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 37 years of dedicated service preserving Dollar's heritage since 1988
- Free public access to extensive historical collections and research facilities
- Award-winning community engagement and volunteer-led operations
- Unique working model railway and mining exhibitions
- Specialist local history resources unavailable elsewhere
Services
Historical Exhibitions
Our permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase Dollar's history from prehistoric times to the present. Featuring artefacts, documents, and photographs, including the Devon Valley Railway model and annual themed displays like the 2025 Water Mills exhibition. Visitors explore local industries, notable residents, and significant events through interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
Family Research
Access our extensive archive materials for family history research. The reading room contains photograph collections, historical magazines, maps, and exhibition folders covering topics from 19th-century reminiscences to modern community records. Special collections include the Dollar Foundling story and local church histories, supported by volunteer experts.
Educational Events
Seasonal events program including historic walks, book sales, and themed exhibitions. Special activities like the annual Strawberry Tea and Christmas Fair combine education with community engagement. School groups benefit from tailored resources including the interactive 'Granny's Kitchen' exhibit and Victorian toys area.
Museum Shop
Purchase locally-themed merchandise including books, prints, and souvenirs. The shop features works by local artists Jennifer Campbell and John Craig, porcelain mugs, and historical calendars. All proceeds directly support museum operations and preservation efforts.
Archival Access
Research facility housing unique materials including Peter Wilson's 750 Devon Valley Railway photographs and the Lavinia Malcolm collection. The archive contains valuation rolls, graveyard inscriptions, and historical maps, with specialist assistance available for serious researchers and academic inquiries.
Questions
What are Dollar Museum's opening hours?
We're open Saturdays 11am-1pm & 2pm-4:30pm, Sundays 2pm-4:30pm from Easter to Christmas.
Is entry to Dollar Museum free?
Yes, admission is free though donations are welcome to support our operations.
What exhibitions are currently showing?
Our 2025 exhibition focuses on Dollar Water Mills, with permanent displays including the Devon Valley Railway model.
Can I access research materials outside opening hours?
Yes, by appointment with our curator for specialist archive access.
Does the museum have facilities for children?
Yes, featuring 'Granny's Kitchen', Victorian toys, and interactive quizzes for young visitors.
How can I support Dollar Museum?
Support through donations, becoming a Friend member, or purchasing items from our gift shop.
Reviews (6)
Andy Bury
Jan 19, 2022
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Unfortunately Dollar Museum is closed till June 2022. Giving it 4 stars because it was good when I visited it a couple of years ago. Apparently they will have a couple of new exhibitions when it opens again in June.
Elaine McCondochie
Nov 28, 2021
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Tiny little place but wow, I could spend days in there. The staff were fantastic too. Well done everyone for what you have achieved
John Hewitt
Sep 10, 2021
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Excellent local history museum, where you can find about Dollar, it's people, and history. Worth visiting
Ahmed El-Rayis
Jul 20, 2021
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Great wee museum to know all about Dollar and the surrounding area. Run by great, passionate and friendly volunteers. Second floor was closed due to Covid restriction.
Bobby Rennie
Jul 19, 2021
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Visited the museum yesterday we found out a lot about the history and were told by the guys in the museum about all the amazing walks around Dollar. Today we walked a few of them. Such beautiful scenery and history
Royston Goodman
Jan 30, 2020
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Brilliant, all done by volunteers, well done to you all. Downstairs accessible to wheelchairs, small and condensed. Very helpful
