Frome Museum celebrates historic milestone with special exhibition and open day

The town’s museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of preserving and sharing the town’s history and heritage.

Frome Museum is hosting a special 60th Anniversary Exhibition starting next week, alongside a special volunteering open day later this month.

The 60th Anniversary Exhibition runs from 13th October to 6th December and traces the museum’s development from its early days on Church Steps, where it opened under the auspices of the Frome Society with a bank balance of just £150.

It also follows the museum’s move to premises in Wine Street before its eventual arrival in its current home in North Parade – in an iconic listed building with a fascinating history of its own.

Michael Maggs, Chair of Trustees, said, “It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the museum’s 60th anniversary. We have seen so much enthusiasm and ambition in recent years, and this anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved, while also looking at what the museum can become in the future.

“The exhibition will highlight some of the people who were instrumental in the museum’s early years, memories of much-loved past exhibitions, and examples from both the museum’s early and more recent collections.

“It will look at the museum’s work today, including engagement with local community organisations and schools, as well as with local villages such as Witham Friary.

“Looking to the future, it will consider the role the museum plays within Frome’s communities, and how it can continue to develop as a central hub for local history and culture, a centre for local history research, and a pivotal visitor attraction.”

Visitors will have an opportunity to contribute their views, including suggestions for the future development of the museum’s collections and ideas for exhibitions in 2027.

Celebrations continue on Saturday 24th October with a Volunteering Open Day. Anyone interested in finding out what goes on behind the scenes, talking to existing volunteers or exploring opportunities to get involved is invited to drop in.

“Volunteering is a great way to learn more about Frome’s history and culture while meeting new people and contributing to our local communities,” added Michael. “No specialist knowledge is required, and there are a wide range of ways to get involved.”

The museum’s current home was built in 1869 for the Frome Literary and Scientific Institution, and once housed a private library, reading room and museum. Members of the Victorian club paid an annual subscription of half a guinea, with their guests also able to use the facilities.

The exhibition will include a selection of early archives from the Literary and Scientific Institution, known as the “Lit & Sci”, which have never previously been displayed.

The 60th Anniversary Exhibition is at Frome Museum from Tuesday 13th October to Sunday 6th December. The Volunteering Open Day takes place on Saturday 24th October. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm, and Independent Market Sundays. Entry is free.