Collecting towards a museum for Herne Bay dates back to 1932 and the museum you see today is in no small part thanks to the efforts of Tom Bowes (a local doctor and keen amateur archaeologist who founded what is now the Herne Bay Historical Records Society, and became its President).
His work was enthusiastically continued by local librarian Harold Gough who was honorary curator, and later president of the HBHRS, as well as a prolific local historian.At various times the museum collection was housed in Mortimer Street and then above the Library in the High Street before moving to its William Street premises in 1996, where it was funded and administered by Canterbury City Council, who also own part of the collection.
His work was enthusiastically continued by local librarian Harold Gough who was honorary curator, and later president of the HBHRS, as well as a prolific local historian.At various times the museum collection was housed in Mortimer Street and then above the Library in the High Street before moving to its William Street premises in 1996, where it was funded and administered by Canterbury City Council, who also own part of the collection.
Services
The Seaside Museum Herne Bay has got off to a great start under the management of our team of dedicated volunteers. We now want to make it into something really special for Herne Bay. We plan big changes but we need help. Can you help? One of our key objectives is to introduce local children to their town Museum.
From Roman relics to Amy Johnson and the bouncing bomb and much more besides, this is a fascinating museum. We found it by accident on a wet day in Herne Bay and are very pleased that we did. Well worth the token admission price (1.60 each for us) and would recommend it to all. It's run by volunteers who were very friendly and a lot of fun.
Reviews (16)
Jules Morgan
Jan 01, 2022
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Linda Murphy
Sep 22, 2021
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Nneb
Sep 01, 2021
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Fantastic local museum with a wealth of information and artefacts on local history. The two ladies on duty when I visited with my grandchildren were very helpful. We had quiz sheets to find items in the displays and lots of information. The children loved their free stickers and activity packs. The shop has lots of goodies for children and adults , all reasonably priced. There was even a lift for those of us a bit challenged by the stairs!! Thank you for a great visit.
Q. & T.
Sep 08, 2020
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We visited on Saturday 12th September 2020. There is clear guidance on the website and upon arrival as to procedures in accordance with the Government regulations in respect of COVID. A friendly welcome and explanation as to the current restrictions on displays. An interesting description of the history of the pier was presented by the warden. In trust it will be practical for the museum to return to sharing and showing full exhibitions in the near future as the local history is fascinating. In the interim we can contribute to the local community by visiting and donating to invest in a wonderful
John Downs
Jul 01, 2020
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Maryna K.
Oct 01, 2019
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Mike Malvus A.
Dec 13, 2018
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Honeym Stars
Aug 29, 2018
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Karen Reader
Jul 03, 2018
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Tara Beaman
Aug 14, 2017
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We visited yesterday with two of our children doing the wheels of time theme have to say was a lovely little find we otherwise would have missed the children loved it there and plenty to keep them happy staff were great with them and our son said was best badge museum we have done so far so well done seaside museum
Lauren Mary
Jul 07, 2017
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Katherine Neves
May 31, 2017
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Geoff Webb
Nov 02, 2015
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Laina Freeman
Sep 16, 2015
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Andy Temple
Jul 19, 2015
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K. Howard Wolfie Beerling
Jul 18, 2015
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