Many visitors pass through the portals of Frome Heritage Museum during the course of a year, but the vast majority are ushered only into the two exhibition galleries.
The building itself, iconic and quirky, was opened 150 years ago in the presence of Thomas Hughes, MP for Frome and author of ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’, and J W Singer, whose own 200th anniversary is being celebrated this year with a number of events and exhibitions.
There will be opportunities during the Frome Festival for visitors to view many other parts of this lovely building including Singer’s own ‘cantilever’ staircase which winds its way almost up to the roof, and the mysterious vaulted basements in Bridge Street, currently storing some of the 20,000 items in the possession of the museum. Stewards will be on hand to lead you through the museum library and collections room into areas that you didn’t even know existed!
So why not come along on 8th July, 10th July or 12th July between 2 pm and 3.30pm to see behind the scenes where Frome’s history and heritage are lovingly preserved for this generation and future ones too? The tours are free (donations welcome) and booking is not required.
On the following Monday (15th July), the museum will hold its annual Open Day at 2 pm. You won’t go ‘behind the scenes’ but you will have the chance to meet and talk to trustees, stewards and volunteers.
