Why
an Extension was needed
 Our storage space was
inadequate and difficult to access but we continue to add objects of
local importance to our collection. Our aim was to add to our storage
space and greatly improve the conditions under which the objects are
held. We wanted to make them more accessible both to Museum staff and
to our visitors. With more space we will branch out into activities
which lack of space has prevented us from doing in the past. We will be
able to host exhibitions by local groups and to offer participative
activities and practical displays.
Teaching
is central to our efforts
Children,
particularly those with handicaps, gain so much by visiting the Museum,
but there was no room to talk to full size classes inside the existing
building. This was a problem when it rained or when members of the
general public were in the Museum. We needed the space to provide for
all sorts of groups without disrupting the enjoyment of other visitors.
We also want to add features such as a children's corner.
Research
matters
One
part of the new space will increase research access. There is a growing
interest in local and family history research and we have already built
an extensive archive of local material. Much of this could not be
housed in the public area of the Museum. We have also been taking part
in a county-wide project, led by the Library Service, to digitalise a
selection of old photographs. We now have computer equipment to make
these and other material more readily available.
The
Plan
The
plans received local council approval (together with support from
various local bodies) to build an extension at the back of the existing
museum. It has increased the ground floor area by about 50% and added
some roof space storage. The building cost £135,000,
including furnishings. We were successful in our application to the
Heritage Lottery Fund for part of this money but we needed more. This
is why we energetically pursued other sources of funding and ran a
campaign of local fund raising.
Our
Heritage
The
Museum holds the heritage of Steyning and its neighbouring parishes in
trust for the future. It makes this heritage available to local people,
and many from much further afield, through displays and special
exhibitions and a research library of archives and photographs. It is
also an educational resource providing object based learning, linked to
the National Curriculum, for a number of local schools.
It is a very successful local history museum, run entirely by
volunteers, which welcomes more than 4,500 visitors each year. It is
set up as a charitable trust and receives no direct public funding. But
it does have and has always had the support of local people. This is
our greatest advantage.
Our address is:
The
Museum,
Church Street,
Steyning,
West Sussex
BN44 3YB
Telephone:
01903 813333
Email: contact@steyningmuseum.org.uk
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