The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a national, voluntary scheme to encourage people to report finds for recording.
Every year, many thousands of archaeological objects are discovered in England and Wales. People using metal detectors unearth most of these, but chance finds are also made by those out walking, digging in their gardens, or just out and about in the countryside.
In the past, very little of this material was recorded by museums or archaeologists, and lots of important information was lost. Now, under the Portable Antiquities Scheme, events are held around the country where finds can be brought in and help given with identification.
The museum will be hosting events in 2026 on dates to be confirmed, by appointment only from 10 – 11:40 am, drop-ins from 12 am to 1 pm.
Claire Pinder, Dorset Council’s Senior Archaeologist and Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, Finds Liaison Officer for Dorset, will be available to answer your questions about Dorset’s Historic Environment and identify your finds. For an appointment please contact: her@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or finds@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk