Blandford Town Museum
Caring for the past, informing the future.
Making the prehistory, history and cultural life of our community accessible to all, enriching the lives of residents, visitors and generations to come.
We’ve been working on an exciting initiative to improve the experience of visually-impaired visitors to the Museum. “Reaching out with Sound” is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Please visit our Accessibility page to find out more.
Museum opening hours
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am – 4pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10am – 4pm
Friday: 10am – 4pm
Looking for more places to visit in and around Blandford? Click on the website link below…
About the Museum
Blandford Town Museum tells the story of Blandford Forum and its surrounding villages through displays, exhibitions and local artefacts. We hold archives for people researching their family or local history, including militaria and railways. The Museum is entirely run by volunteers, and is free to enter. You can find out more about our history and organisation here.
The Museum provides learning and research opportunities for people of all ages, and we particularly like to work with schools and young people to develop their interest in local history. We host lectures, special events and exhibitions; scroll down the page or click here to find out what is coming up soon.
Find Us
The museum is close to the Marketplace in the centre of town. Look for the sign above the entrance to Beres Yard, opposite the church of St Peter and St Paul.
Permanent Exhibits
Our permanent exhibits tell the story of the Blandford area through the ages, from Stone Age bones and artefacts to a model of the Railway Station in the 1960s.
Victorian Garden
The Victorian garden provides a safe and peaceful space for visitors to enjoy away from the bustle of the town, and a beautiful setting for outdoor social events.
Shop and Museum Hire
As well as souvenirs of your visit, our shop sells local crafts, homemade jams and chutneys, and plants produced by the museum garden club members.
The museum is available to hire for social events, lectures, presentations etc.
Archives and Publications
The Museum has an extensive Archive relating to the life of the town and surrounding villages. We also publish booklets, ranging from historic monographs to popular Blandford tales.
Partnerships and Links
The Museum works with other local groups to organise community projects and events. Our website also has information about organisations with similar interests, and links to other local history websites.
What’s on at the Museum?
Events
We hold lectures, workshops, and artistic and social events throughout the year. Our website also has details of local events arranged by our partner organisations.
Special Exhibitions
The Special Exhibitions in our gallery change regularly. Some focus on the work of artists who are of particular local importance, whilst others highlight and complement aspects of the permanent exhibits.
Learning and Research
The museum works with schools and young people to design projects and internships that meet their individual needs and interests. We also hold lectures, workshops, and special events for all ages and interests, and participate in local history research projects.
Get involved!
There are many ways to support your local Museum. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved in any of our activites.
Volunteering at the Museum
Blandford Museum relies on our friendly volunteer staff for everything, from Reception and Curation to Trustees and Director. If you would like to get involved we would love to hear from you.
Membership
As the museum is free to visitors, donations and income from events are very important to us. You can help by becoming a Member, Friend or Patron of the museum. We also welcome sponsorship from local businesses.
Groups and Projects
Members of Blandford Museum can join our special-interest groups, including the Victorian Garden Group and the Archaeology Group, or get involved in exciting local history projects.
Events
Please click here to see a list of all events planned for this year at the Museum. These are coming up soon…