Bassetlaw Museum

Bassetlaw Museum was created in 1983. Over the following years its collections have quickly grown due to generous donations by local people. The collections include local history, archaeology, decorative and fine art, agriculture, costume and textiles.

The museum is situated in Retford town centre in Amcott House, an 18th century town house and Grade 2 listed building, which retains many of its original features. An art gallery was built in 1994, partly financed by the Percy Laws Memorial Fund of the Rotary Club of Retford.

Schools

School parties are always welcome to visit the museum, by prior appointment. Admission is free.

The staff will be pleased to discuss with teachers how the museum and its collections might be able to assist them with teaching specific subject areas within the National Curriculum.

We offer a programme of talks and activities to schools and other groups, either on site or as part of our Outreach Service. Talks are available on a variety of subjects and can be tailored to the individual group.

A wide range of National Curriculum subjects can be covered including KS1 and 2 How Are Our Toys Different From Those in the Past; What Were Homes Like A Long Time Ago?; What Was it Like For Children in Victorian Britain and The Romans. We also provide reminiscence sessions.

We are experienced in working with special needs groups, please contact us for details.

Handling boxes, containing real objects or replicas, illustrations and information are also available for loan covering The Romans, Old Toys, Domestic Items, Mystery Objects and World War II.

The education room is available to school parties and other groups making a prior booking and, at other times, to visitors and researchers wishing to explore the collections in greater depth.