THE Museum of Somerset is marking its 150th anniversary this July, celebrating with a series of talks, tours and activities.

The museum’s anniversary event programme includes an afternoon talk with the museum’s curator Amal Khreisheh, an evening lecture by historian Tom Mayberry and special tours of the museum collections.

There will also be a three-day birthday party taking place over October half term.

Sam Astill, chief executive of the South West Heritage Trust, said: “The Museum of Somerset holds a special place in our community and is deeply valued by people of all ages.

Harold St George Gray served as curator of the museum and secretary of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society from 1901 to 1949.
Harold St George Gray served as curator of the museum and secretary of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society from 1901 to 1949. (Museum of Somerset)

“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we honour the enduring power of museums to inspire, entertain and educate.

“This milestone is also an opportunity to acknowledge the many individuals and organisations that make it all possible—particularly our friends and partners at the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, owners of Taunton Castle and many of the much-loved collections on display.”

The museum began with the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society which was founded in 1849 by ‘several gentlemen of Taunton and its neighbourhood’, they wanted to study all aspects of Somerset history. They were also keen to create a museum.

In 1874 the society bought Taunton Castle and on July 12 the following year the museum was opened.

In 2011 a £6.93 million project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, developed the museum to include nine contemporary gallery spaces displaying treasures dating back as far as 400 million years.
In 2011 a £6.93 million project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, developed the museum to include nine contemporary gallery spaces displaying treasures dating back as far as 400 million years. (Museum of Somerset)

The county museum now attracts more than 80,000 visitors every year including 7,000 school children on educational visits.

Amongst the many spotlight loans are the Alfred Jewel and portrait of Henry VII, with memorable exhibitions exploring Somerset stories and people including the Monmouth Rebellion and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Lizzie Induni, chair of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, said: “It is a wonderful tribute to the members of the society who sought to preserve Taunton Castle 150 years ago that it is now a thriving and much-loved county museum.”