Museum and Local History

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Kingston Museum and Heritage Service operates on two sites and comprises a Museum, Local History Room and an Archives Service.

Kingston Museum is accredited by the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). The MLA Accreditation Scheme sets national standards for UK museums.

The Museum was built in 1904. The building and its galleries were restored between 1992 and 1997 and include a Lottery-funded 'Town of Kings' Gallery, telling the story of the Borough from Saxon times.

The Museum has three permanent galleries: Ancient Origins, Town of Kings and Eadweard Muybridge, and there is an Art Gallery for temporary exhibitions.  The Museum also has a special 'Community Showcase'  that can be hired on a monthly basis by local groups. The Local History Room holds a large and growing collection of local history research material.

19 May - 14 July

The Hogsmil - A Journey Through Time

In August last year a community archaeology ‘dig’ and survey took place on the banks of the Hogsmill River at Southwood Activity Centre, Tolworth. The fieldwork was part of a £30,000 Heritage Lottery Funded project organised by the Kingston upon Thames Archaeological Society, to study the history of the Hogsmill River.

The results of the fieldwork have now been turned into an exhibition ‘The Hogsmill: A journey through time’ which aims to present the techniques and results of the fieldwork, as well as putting it into a wider context, as the Hogsmill has a rich historical past.

The exhibition will be an opportunity to learn more about the fieldwork project, the Hogsmill River, and its fascinating history and archaeology.

Saturday 2 June and Tuesday 5 June

Diamond Jubilee Fun

Discover the kingly origins of this Royal Borough and have a go at the Royal Kingston Trail which takes you on a journey through time.
Try on a historic crown and make your own to wear.

Every fourth Friday at Kingston Museum

Family Fun for Under 5s

Join us for a story or song and craft activity for some free family fun at Kingston Museum

Friday 25 May: The Kingston Crocodile
Times: 10.15 - 11.30am and 1.30 - 2.15pm
No need to book but arrive early to ensure a space.

Latest News

• 2012 Leaflet now available! See the 2012 programme of exhibitions and lectures by clicking on the link below.
• New Opening times at Kingston Museum. Click on the related document below to download the full news release.
• Muybridge in Kingston celebrates an exciting collaborative research and development partnership between Kingston University and the Kingston Museum & Heritage Service world-class collection. Visit the website using the link below:
• Eadweard Muybridge: Defining Modernities is a unique website that aims to provide a definitive research resource surrounding the work of 19th Century photographer Eadweard Muybridge. Visit the site using the link below:

Kingston Museum

Wheatfield Way
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2PS
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8547 5006
Email:

New Opening times for Kingston Museum

• Open: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm
             Thursday 10am - 7pm

Admission Free

Please note that the Museum will be closed on Bank Holidays, between Christmas and New Year and from Good Friday to Easter Monday unless otherwise notified.

Kingston Local History Room and Archives

Room 46
North Kingston Centre
Richmond Road
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 5PE.
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8547 6738
Email:

Opening Hours for Kingston Local History Room and Archives

• Monday, Thursday, Friday, 10am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm
• Tuesday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 9pm (term time*) and 2pm to 7pm at other times
• Closed on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday:, bank holidays, between Christmas and New Year and from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

*Term dates:

• Autumn: 19 September - 10 December 2011
• Spring: 9 January - 24 March 2012
• Summer: 16 April - 30June 2012