To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of Ripon Museum Trust, the museums have engaged with the local community in co-curating an exhibition
It will run across the Liberty Courthouse, Prison and Police Museum and Workhouse Museum.
Current and former volunteers, Trustees, individuals, and community groups were all asked to choose their favourite object, photo, document, building or space within the museums and write an exhibition label for it.
Ripon Museum Trust was formed in 1982 with one museum and a small group of volunteers, a lot has changed in 40 years and the Trust now runs three successful museums in the heart of Ripon with a small team of paid staff, over 100 volunteers and 30,000 visitors per year.
The museums and a collection of 9000 objects explore historical stories and themes which have the power to inspire people today.
The exhibition is open until 27 November, museum tickets are valid for 12 months with unlimited return visits.
Visitors will be able to follow the Exhibition Leaflet Trail and walk in the footsteps of past generations.
Richard Taylor, Chair of Ripon Museum Trust says: “I wonder if those who set the museum trust going forty years ago could have foreseen just how far it has since come.
“Certainly, there was only the one museum back then, no paid staff and little more than the enthusiasm of a small band of volunteers to get it all going.
“We are a bigger organisation today but that commitment to all work together for a common aim is as strong as ever.
Helen Thornton, Museum Director at Ripon Museum Trust says: “We are so pleased to see visitors and schools returning after the Covid lockdowns and funding has been secured for future developments.
“Celebrating 40 years as a Museum Trust is the crowning glory! It’s an achievement our whole community can be proud of. I have only been the Trust’s Director for three years, but I am really honoured to be here at such an exciting moment in our history.”
Laura Allan, Community Curator at Ripon Museum Trust says: “It has been a privilege to work with both individuals and community groups on the curation of this exhibition. It has been fascinating to see some of the selections, especially the lesser known items, and hearing people’s personal thoughts and feelings has shown a real insight into the emotional response visitors have to our themes and stories.”
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