2010 is a significant year for several of Wiltshire’s museums, as they celebrate anniversaries of one sort or another.

To give you a reminder of some of the fantastic museums and collections on our doorstep here in Wiltshire, here is a rundown of the 2010 celebrations:

 
Medieval chess piece
Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum

The Kennet & Avon Canal Museum

It is 200 years since the section of canal between Bath and Newbury was opened in 1810. The headquarters of the canal trust and a museum telling the story of the canal and the people who lived, worked and built it is located on Devizes Wharf. It opens from 10-4 everyday.

www.katrust.org/

Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum

150 years ago a fantastic collection of everyday medieval items was found in the drainage channels of Salisbury when sewers were being installed. These formed the basis of the museum whose archaeology collections have now been designated as being of national importance. The archaeology and many other items can now be enjoyed in the beautiful setting of the Kings House in the cathedral close of Salisbury. Opening hours are 10-5 Monday to Saturday.

www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/

Medieval chess piece
Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum

Market Lavington Village Museum

Situated in the old schoolmaster’s house next to the church Market Lavington Museum recently celebrated their 25^th anniversary with an evening devoted to the history of the village in words, pictures, song and food!

This volunteer run museum is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from May to October and entry is free. They also run a fascinating blog at http://marketlavingtonmuseum.wordpress.com/ where you can learn more about some of the items in their collection.

Church charabanc outing from Market Lavington
Market Lavington Photographic Collection

Purton Museum

This museum run by the volunteers of the Purton Historical Society has now been open for 20 years.

Situated in the centre of the village in the library building they are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and admission is free.

If you cannot get to the museum you can see the ‘object of the month’ on their website at www.purtonmuseum.com/

Working in the brick kiln Purton Museum Photographic Collection

Trowbridge Museum

Situated in Home Mills off of the Shires shopping centre the museum recently celebrated it’s 20^th anniversary. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free. Whilst telling the story of Trowbridge and it’s people there is a particular focus on the weaving industry, which was so important to the town.

www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk

Weaving at Trowbridge Museum

Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre

This year the museum is celebrating 10 years at their current site on the Market Place in Chippenham. They are open 10-4 Monday to Saturday and entry is free. As well as displays on the history of the Chippenham area the museum runs an active programme of events and activities for schoolchildren and other community groups

www.chippenham.gov.uk/museum--heritage-centre.aspx

Hopefully you will be inspired to call in and visit one of the museums this year and wish them ‘Happy Anniversary’