FIVE museums have banded together to encourage people to celebrate Cumbria's heritage and pay them a visit when they can re-open their doors.

Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Maryport Maritime Museum, Senhouse Roman Museum and Penrith & Eden Museum are asking people to show their support this winter by getting involved with the #mylocalmuseum campaign.

 

While many adapted to provide digital interaction and virtual opportunities alongside Covid-safe activities and exhibitions at their venues throughout the summer, they are preparing for a difficult few months ahead.

Jules Wooding, museum manager at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, said: "There’s a real positive push for people to shop local in these tough times and support local businesses – we’re asking people to include their local museum too.

"Although some museums managed to open safely throughout the summer with restrictions in place, they have now been ordered to close again.

"It is time to celebrate and show support for our museums and we are asking people to join us to celebrate our collective heritage and the important part it plays within our community."

The campaign will focus on a different museum every day this week, enabling them to showcase their unique collections.

The museums are asking people to show their appreciation by following them on social media and using the #mylocalmuseum hashtag to share what their local museums mean to them. This could be their favourite memories, exhibitions and events, as well as how they use their local museum for learning.

Jane Laskey, museum director of the Senhouse Roman Museum, said: "We understand there are so many businesses and organisations in need of support right now, but we feel that, during these uncertain times, museums have provided some respite from the current situation, encouraged creativity, offered inspiration and have supported people’s mental health and wellbeing."

Rebecca Short, curator of Penrith & Eden Museum, added: "We know that we cannot currently open our doors, but we want to remind local people that we are still here.

"We‘re asking our communities to support their local museums during these difficult times by joining us in a celebration of local heritage, raising awareness of our wonderful collections and bringing local people together in support."