Erasmus Darwin House

WACKY WEDNESDAYS

ali — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:53:33 +0000

Drop in activities for children from 11am-3pm.

Bored at home already? Join us here at the House for fun childrens activities every Wednesday in August.Each day will have a different theme. Choose from Space and Travel, Beads Buttons and Braiding, Fossils and Flowers and Portraits or why not come to all four!

£2 per child. Booking recommended. Free admission for parents/carer. Supervision from parent required.

To reserve a place phone the Office on 01543 306260 or e-mail enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org

Job Opportunity!

ali — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:15:19 +0000

We are looking for a conscientious and welcoming couple to take over from our outgoing Caretakers/Hosts.

The couple will act as Volunteers for Museum Caretaker and House Hostess. Free accommodation is offered, above the House ,which is in the heart of Lichfield, adjacent to the Cathedral Close.

Responsibilities will include preparing for and hosting corporate bookings,weddings,museum events and educational visits as part of our team. Daily caretaking duties are required.

For more information please phone/contact us here at the office on 01543 306260/ enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org

If interested please send a CV and cover letter to the House address.

Forthcoming Family Activities

ali — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:03:33 +0000

We have been very busy here at Erasmus Darwin House putting together some exciting new events!

These will include Toddler Storytime, Science on Saturdays, Costume Corner and Book Corner.

Watch out for more details!!!

Full Accreditation awarded!

ali — Mon, 31 May 2010 12:52:58 +0000

On April 29th Erasmus Darwin House was notified that our application for Full Accreditation by the MLA had been approved.

The MLA promote best practice in Museums,Libraries and Archives and we are very proud to have been recognised in such a way.

All thanks goes to Alison Wallis who has managed to bring this to fruition as well as producing a baby boy in January. Well Done Alison!

Best of the West Awards

ali — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:45:13 +0000

We are very excited to announce that Erasmus Darwin House has been shortlisted for the Best of the West Awards this year. These awards highlight and give recognition to innovative new Museum projects. All will be revealed on February 26th 2010-watch this space!

March 2010: A quick update!

Unfortunately we did not win this section but we were very honoured to be in the top three. Representatives from the Museum attended the Presentation Evening at Birmingham’s prestigious Barber Institute and a framed cerificate of nomination was accepted- this is now on display in the House.

Donation Days

ali — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:53:45 +0000

On the following days the Erasmus Darwin House is pleased to announce that normal admission charges are waivered. We would, however, ask for a donation from each visitor to contribute towards the upkeep of the House.

21ST FEBRUARY, 12TH MARCH, 13TH APRIL, 19TH MAY, 10TH JUNE, 16TH JULY, 17TH AUGUST, 8TH SEPTEMBER, 10TH OCTOBER, 18TH NOVEMBER, 17TH DECEMBER.

Normal opening hours apply.

Grand Opening of New Exhibition

ali — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:12:09 +0000

The grand opening of the newly refurbished museum happened on Saturday 4th July and the event was truly exciting! During the day we welcomed over 500 visitors to the museum and all seemed to enjoy the new exhibitions. The atmosphere in the House was amazing and it was so great to see so many people enjoying the new interactives.

At 12.30pm a small opening ceremony was held on the steps at the front of the House to mark the occasion. Jenny Arthur, Chairman of the Foundation welcomed Desmond King-Hele (author of the definiative biography) and Christopher Darwin (descendant of Erasmus’s brother William Alvey Darwin) who cut the ribbon. The group, which included representatives from funding organisations and supporters of the House, then moved upstairs to celebrate with a drink of champagne where a few words were said on the importance of the refurbishment, the House and keeping Darwin’s spirit alive.

Desmond, Jenny and ChristopherReception

The museum was free to enter for the whole day and visitors were welcomes by volunteer staff in Georgian costume. Around the outside of the House were a number of stalls selling local home grown produce. The day was sponsored by Waitrose who were selling tea and coffee in the garden. By the end of the day they had raised £57.20 which they donated to the House. Thank you Waitrose!

A very big thank you goes to Helen Clayton who practically organised the whole day. She was working with us on secondment from the Golden Jubliee Trust assisting with the marketing of the House. She has now finished her placement and has set us actions to carry forward. We are very grateful to Helen for all her hard work, committment and, above all, enthusiasm for the post; her assistance on the launch day was very much appreciated!

The design and construction of the work was undertaken by Vertigo Creative, a Leciester based design company. Rhod and John did an amazing job and we would like to thank them for all their hard work during the refurb.

Project working group: Madeleine Budgen, John Moseley, Helen Clayton, Alison Wallis, Jenny Arthur, Rhodri Thomas, Sarah Elsom

The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Staffordshire Environmental Fund as well as other local organisations and individuals. The Erasmus Darwin Foundation are very grateful for their support, without which the project wouldn’t have happened.

Voluntary Education Assistants needed

ali — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:34:33 +0000

Erasmus Darwin House is currently trying to improve it’s education services and require the help of people interested in this area. After the recent refurbishment we feel we have a much brighter museum which can provide a better offer to schools and wider learning. However, Darwin House is mainly run by volunteers and we are always looking for valuable assistance.

You might have some teaching experience, a keen interest in history and science or just a passion for educating. Whatever the reason, if you would like to offer your time to helping out a museum and charity please get in touch with our Education Officer Ishbel Curr on 01543 306260.

10th Birthday Party

admin — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:25:19 +0000

We had a great party on Saturday for the museums 10th birthday – take a look at the photos in the gallery to see what fun we got up to! Needless to say, all the cake disappeared very quickly and was enjoyed by all! Thanks to everyone who turned up to share it with us.

Happy 10th Birthday EDH!

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:29:32 +0000

Sunday 5th April is the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening way back in 1999. On Saturday we’ll be celebrating this momentous occasion with a party and cake! Everyone is welcome to join us for a slice and the museum will be free to enter on this special day only, so take advantage!
During the last 10 years the museum has seen many staff and volunteers come and go and lots of other changes. We’re still going and getting stronger year on year. And with visitor figures on the increase we’re looking towards a positive 2009.
So come along on Saturday and help us celebrate!