Serving up history – modern style

Recognising that people like to find out about history, Hampshire’s Museums Service strives to serve up a huge variety of things to see and do — from fabulous collections on tour to local history, performance art, clubs and lectures.

History is about so much more than displays in dusty glass cases... why not remind yourself how amazing it is to get in touch with the past?

The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke

Built in 1831 as Basingstoke’s grand new town hall and recently restored, the Willis Museum is now a dynamic display space that includes the new Sainsbury Gallery. “The aim was to make it a flexible museum for the 21st century,” explains curator, Sue Tapliss. “The Sainsbury Gallery is a modern space with high security, so for the first time we can make major national collections available.”

Sue Tapliss, Curator of the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery

Don’t miss this! ‘China: Journey to the East’, a British Museum touring exhibition with captivating Chinese objects, explores the culture, history and language of China — until 24 December 2009.

A community gallery displays the work of local artists and youth groups, while the Story of Basingstoke focuses on local history. There’s something new every month and lots for children to see and do.

To find out more visit the Willis Museum website.

Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age

In an elegant former townhouse built around 1750, Andover Museum traces the history of the local area from earliest time to the present day with ever-changing displays that are engaging and informative.

There is always plenty for children, particularly during the school holidays, and any would-be Indiana Joneses can join the Young Archaeologists’ Club.

Don’t miss this! The stunning Fullerton Roman Mosaic, rescued from a nearby manor house and now restored to its former, full-sized glory.

The museum, with its sister Museum of the Iron Age, is a dream for anyone interested in hill forts and life in Britain before the Romans, with archaeological displays based on the work of Professor Barry Cunliffe, who excavated nearby Danebury Hill Fort. Using real objects from Danebury plus life-size models and reconstructions, it really brings the Iron Age to life.

To find out more visit the Andover Museum website.

The Red House Museum, Christchurch

“Diversity, excitement and surprise are three words that characterise the Red House Museum,” says curator Paul Willis.

Paul Willis, Curator of the Red House Museum

The building was originally a workhouse and was converted to a private home in the 1880s. Herbert Druitt owned the house and it is his collection that formed the basis of the museum’s display when it officially opened in 1951.

Paul is passionate about offering a range of activities, events and exhibitions: “I want people to be surprised when they come, that there is a vibrant energy about the place.” This year’s events have included theatre groups performing in the museum’s stunning gardens, an archaeology day and a workshop teaching basic stone carving. There is also a vibrant lecture series, art workshops, jewellery making sessions and plenty of hands-on activities for children.

Don’t miss this! Hair — an exhibition of hairdressing and hair from Roman times to the present day. Try on some wigs or an elegant set of whiskers — but look out for the giant head louse looming above you!

Among the displays is a look at life in the workhouse. This can be enhanced by a podcast that’s downloadable from the museum’s website and a captivating costume gallery that shows how fashions have changed from 1903 to 1939.

To find out more visit the Red House Museum website.

To find out more about all of Hampshire’s museums visit the Hampshire museums and archives website or call 0845 603 5635.