Invest in the future - preserve the past

The Priest’s House Museum & Garden in Wimborne Minster is encouraging people to ‘Invest in the future – preserve the past’ as it continues to appeal for both support and funds towards the building of an open learning centre within the museum.

In order to fund a new open learning centre, the museum must raise £1.5 million. Funding of £500,000 has already been found and an application has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund. If this bid is successful, there will be £500,000 still to find.

When built, the open learning centre will adjoin the rear of the Priest’s House, replacing the current prefabricated buildings that are now inadequate. The centre will help improve and extend the museum’s learning programme, providing a large learning space and 60-seater auditorium for school and general use. The centre will also house the museum’s important historical collections, with additional areas for research and conservation work.

The museum held a successful launch on Saturday 12 July, very well attended by visitors and the local community. People can add their signature and messages of support to a book on display in the museum shop. The book will be presented to the Heritage Lottery Fund to show local support for the scheme and then placed in the museum’s archives for centuries to come. They also have the opportunity to buy a brick for £10 and a roof tile for £5, with all money raised going directly towards the half-a-million pound target.

With your support, the Priest’s House Museum & Garden can continue to be a place that encourages pride in East Dorset’s heritage. The book of support will be available to sign at the museum, during normal opening hours, through to Monday 1 September.

If you would like any further information, please contact the museum on 01202 882533 or email priestshouse@eastdorset.gov.uk.