We are a small, independent social history museum for Swaffham and the surrounding villages. Annual exhibitions plus displays from the Stone Age to the modern. Home of the Symonds collection of figures based on characters from literature and history. Local heroes include Howard Carter the archaeologist, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Knyvet Wilson VC, Jem Mace prize fighter, W E Johns author of the Biggles books and the Swaffham Pedlar.
In 2019 saw we opened the new 'Conflict and Consequences' Gallery, full of information about Swaffham's involvement in wars and conflicts. On an appointment basis, we offer personal and group research facilities in our Archive Room using maps, newspaper clippings and other documentation and artefacts.
In 2019 saw we opened the new 'Conflict and Consequences' Gallery, full of information about Swaffham's involvement in wars and conflicts. On an appointment basis, we offer personal and group research facilities in our Archive Room using maps, newspaper clippings and other documentation and artefacts.
Services
The ground floor has two large Galleries - the Ben Emmerson Room, and the Carter Connection. These have level access. On the first floor are the remaining two galleries. The David Butters Room is possible to access via an elevator situated in the Town Hall part of the building, but this is not available on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.
Monique Slaven worked with us as a volunteer for many years until her death in 2018. She had spent over 20 years with her metal detector searching the fields in neighbouring Sporle. Her finds reflect over 2000 years of life in the village. Spend three minutes in the Museum listening to a recording of Monique as she describes some of her finds.
This gallery provides lots of information about Carter and the Ancient Egyptians plus engaging activities for children. Howard Carter's family was from Swaffham and he spent much of his childhood growing up in the town. Our gallery explores his link with Swaffham and the finding of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
In 2015 the museum acquired a 19th Century longcase clock made by John Carr and Son of Swaffham. It stands 7'5 high and has an eight day striking movement. The clock was restored in 2015. Photographs and videos of its restoration may be viewed below (photography by Clifford J Freeman of Castlegate Clocks, Grantham).
The newly updated Museum Shop is well-stocked with gifts and mementos of the museum, Swaffham and beyond, and there is a generous selection of cards and postcards. We also sell locally made honey and preserves. Visitors and local residents will find a wide range of road and footpath maps for those wishing to explore the area more thoroughly.
Reviews (7)
Alex Begg
Nov 02, 2020
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Margaret Evans
Sep 19, 2020
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Stephen Clutton
Dec 28, 2019
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Jacqui Clutton
Oct 20, 2019
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This museum is a little gem with an eclectic range of artefacts related to the local area as well as an Egyptian room dedicated to one time resident Howard Carter. Organised into themed rooms there are photographs, exhibits as well as hands on pieces for children and the young at heart to get stuck into. The museum staff are great, really enthusiastic and clearly work closely with the local community both with schools who visit to do workshops and with adults who are asked to contribute their memories to help expand information about the town. Our 8 and 10 year olds really engaged with the activities
Debbie Stemp
Aug 02, 2019
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Thomas Boatright
Aug 19, 2018
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It's been a while since I have been here, but the woman that was running it back then had a section of military buttons and insignia that she personally found with a metal detector. She was very nice and loved to share about everything in the museum. Definitely worth the stop if you are spending some time in Swaffham.
Paul Lucas
Jan 09, 2018
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