The Museum of East Dorset is an organisation at the heart of the local community. Our services are designed to draw on our historical resources and share them for the benefit of the community.
To deliver this ambition, we work in partnership with several local organisations.
Bournemouth University
We work on projects with final year students on the BA (Hons) History degree programme and offer student placements.
Development Education in Dorset (DEED)
This centre for global education and learning serves Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire. It encourages and inspires teachers, pupils and community members to develop their understanding of global issues, cultural diversity and sustainability.
Dorset Architectural Heritage Week
Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, run by East Dorset Heritage Trust, is a week-long event in September under the auspices of Heritage Open Days (the national event now run by the National Trust). The aim is to stimulate public awareness of Dorset’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The museum’s historic house is on the visitor trail.
In Jolly Good Company
In Jolly Good Company is a registered charity which exists to help alleviate the physical and mental issues caused by loneliness and isolation. The museum hosts creative activity days for older people. They are dementia-friendly but open to all.
Millstream Theatre
Millstream Theatre is an adult company of actors with learning disabilities from East Dorset and beyond. They meet every month in our Garden Room to create original storytelling and drama.
To find out more, or to support Millstream, please email [email protected] or donate via GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/millstream-theatre-are-seeking-donations?attribution_id=sl:b3d25bb9-26c3-40ab-85d5-87919e7adbec&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Treasures of Wimborne Minster
The charitable attractions in the town – the Minster Church, the Tivoli Theatre, Walford Mill, Wimborne Model Town and the Museum of East Dorset – work together on joint initiatives.
Wimborne BID
The Wimborne Business Improvement District (BID) exists to bolster the local economy and enhance the town’s appeal for residents and visitors. The museum’s Information Centre distributes free town maps and brochures, as well as information on events such as the Folk Festival and the Food Festival. Our volunteers offer a friendly face-to-face chat for those who do not have access to online facilities. The museum also supports BID initiatives such as Discover Wimborne.
Wimborne Community Theatre
WCT creates site-specific performances with community actors, bringing to life stories and memories inspired by places and inhabitants, past and present. In 2019, Echoes of the Past focussed on the museum’s founder, Hilda Coles, and other characters, to mark the closing of the museum in preparation for the next phase of the building’s history. In 2023, Ways of Seeing focussed on key artefacts: the Roman painted wall plaster, the Valentine cards and the camera which belonged to local photographer Job Pottle.
Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community
We work closely with this group of local residents and businesses who aim to make Wimborne a more Dementia friendly environment. They aim to ensure that the voices of people living with dementia, their carers and their families are heard.
Wimborne Foodbank+
We have a close relationship with the local Foodbank and work with them on a variety of initiatives.
Wimborne Green Festival
This hugely successful week of events, run by Planet Wimborne, is designed to encourage us all to live more sustainably. The museum plays an active part in supporting the festival.
Wimborne Library
We work with Wimborne Library on reminiscence workshops, and arts and crafts activities.
Museum representatives sit on several local steering groups:
- Wimborne Town Council Access Group
- Wilding Wimborne
- Wimborne Dementia Friendly Steering Group
- Planet Wimborne
- Wimborne Fairtrade