Chance to Discover Local Museum For Free

Newark’s National Civil War Centre is opening its doors for free entry on Saturday 18th September as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days scheme. As well as being able to explore its fascinating galleries, including the fantastic The World Turned Upside Down and Fake News exhibitions, visitors on the day will also be able to discover more about its collections on free 30 minute taster tours with experts.

Families are invited to join Learning and Participation Officer Denise Greany to hear amazing object stories and find out how to protect themselves, both from bullets on the Civil War battlefield and from witches in the 17^th century home. There’ll even be a chance to try your hand at being a soldier, having a go at reloading a replica musket.

Treasures from the Newark Museum collection will also be highlighted with Spotlight on Status Tours from Collections and Exhibitions Assistant Kevin Winter. Kevin will lead participants to six of his favourite objects in the Newark galleries, telling stories of the area’s fascinating history, from pre-history to the 20th century, through artefacts designed to display status and power.

National Civil War Centre Manager Carys Coulton-Jones said: “Heritage Open Days are a great chance for local people to discover the fantastic days out available right here on their doorstep. These tours offer fun for families as well as a chance to engage with Newark’s history, discovering amazing artefacts from the town’s past. We hope that this free day will encourage people who may not have visited before to give us a try and be surprised by what they uncover.”

The museum will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday with Spotlight on Families Tours running on the hour every hour from 10am to 2pm and Spotlight on Status Tours running hourly on the half hour from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/visit.

For more information, or to request interviews or images, please contact Genevieve Taylor at genevieve.taylor@nsdc.info.