Celebrate Heritage Open Days in Lancashire
Some historic buildings will open their doors from Thursday 8 September to Sunday 11 September to celebrate an annual heritage event encouraging people to find out more about their local history.
Heritage Open Days are an opportunity for people to explore their heritage, architecture and culture by visiting an attraction, or by getting involved in a number of activities or events.
County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: "I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to take part in Heritage Open Days, either by visiting an attraction, or taking part in an event.
"There's certainly a good choice available, to suit all ages and tastes."
There will be free admission to some museums across the county as follows:
Lancashire Archives – Saturday 10 September from 10am – 4pm
Lancashire Conservation Studios – Saturday 10 September from 10.30am – 3.30pm (bookable tours only)
The Museum of Lancashire – Saturday 10 September from 10.30am to 5pm
Gawthorpe Hall – Saturday 10 September 12 noon to 5pm
Fleetwood Museum – Thursday 10 to Sunday 11 September 11am to 4pm
Helmshore Mills Textile Museum – Saturday 10 September 12 noon to 5pm
Clitheroe Castle Museum – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 11am to 4pm
Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, Harle Syke, Burnley 12 noon to 5pm
Judges' Lodgings Museum – Saturday 10 September 12 noon to 4pm
Lancaster Maritime Museum – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 11am to 5pm
Lancaster City Museum – Saturday 10 September from 10am – 5pm
Lancaster Castle – Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 10am – 5pm
Activities include the chance to meet a World War One soldier at Lancaster City Museum, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lancashire Archives including finding out about the first eyewitness account of Bonfire Night and listening to acclaimed folk singer, Jennifer Reid, known as 'The Broadsheet Balladress' performing at Queen Street Mill.
Other activities include a 'Meet the Housekeeper' event to show what life was like, both upstairs and downstairs, at Gawthorpe Hall. People will also have the opportunity to take a look at the Victorian basement kitchen where the housekeeper will be on hand to offer fascinating insights into life at Gawthorpe Hall during this period – what the servants did, what the house guests ate and how the cooks prepared it.
To find out about opening times or for more information about the special events at each of the venues for the Heritage Open Days, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums.