The Norris Museum’s grand opening on Saturday 29 July, marks a major milestone of a £1.25m National Lottery funded project to transform its displays and opportunities for visitors.

Collections and a Norris namesake

The museum opened in 1933 to display the incredible collections of amateur historian Herbert Norris.

Today, items include an Ichthyosaur skeleton uncovered by motorway construction in the 1990s, a handwritten survey from 1728 of the town of St Ives and unique artefacts relating to Fen Skating.

[quote= Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England] "Huntingdonshire’s heritage now has a secure future and people of all ages now have the opportunity to share in the stories of their communities.” [/quote]

National Lottery impact

Made possible by National Lottery players, project achievements include:

• Expanded galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions
• A new community room
• Improved storage conditions for collections

Events and activities for all ages – including taking artefacts out and about with the Museum on the Move scheme – have been taking place throughout the museum’s redevelopment and will continue for another two years.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Thanks to the hard work of museum staff and volunteers, and to money raised by National Lottery players, The Norris Museum is reaching the end of a fantastic redevelopment. Huntingdonshire’s heritage now has a secure future and people of all ages now have the opportunity to share in the stories of their communities.”

Festival weekend

The opening weekend will play host to a festival celebration that will involve the whole town – including a procession and banners designed by local children. As well as seeing the new galleries, there will be opportunities to meet characters from throughout the ages, make a unique reopening t-shirt with professional artist Ricki Outis, visit some historic crafts stalls and take part in a variety of creative activities.

For more information visit the Norris Museum website.