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Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom
Wareham Town Museum:
Past, Present & Future
Past, Present & Future
Wareham Town Museum has its roots in the Wareham Pictorial Museum, a private collection created by local historian and former Mayor, Harry Broughton, and his wife. In 1960, the Broughtons opened their home on North Street to the public, sharing their passion for preserving Wareham’s rich heritage.
The Past
This early museum quickly became an important community resource, built on the belief that history should be accessible to everyone. When the collection later closed, Wareham Town Council recognised its importance and acquired it to safeguard its future.
In 1974, the collection became the official Wareham Town Museum, based on St John’s Hill. As the museum grew, it moved in 1984 to its current home in the Town Hall, placing it firmly at the civic heart of the town. A major refurbishment in 1998, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, modernised the displays and strengthened the museum’s long-term future.
The Museum in 1979
The Present
Today, Wareham Town Museum is a vibrant and welcoming space that brings together thousands of years of local history. Its displays explore archaeology, natural history, and the lives of the people who have shaped the town, from prehistoric times to the modern day.
The Museum today
The museum works in partnership with universities, heritage organisations, and the local community to create engaging, research-led exhibitions. Highlights include important archaeological discoveries and a growing collection relating to T. E. Lawrence, which is gaining international recognition.
Education and accessibility are central to everything the museum does. Through talks, temporary exhibitions, school visits, and family activities, it continues to make Wareham’s history available and inspiring to all.
The Future
Our exhibition looks ahead to an exciting new chapter for Wareham Town Museum. Plans for a new, expanded museum will transform how the town’s story is shared.
A significantly larger, two-floor museum space in the heart of Wareham, next to the Town Hall and Corn Exchange, will accommodate:
Future Museum
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A welcoming Tourist Information Centre
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An expanded museum shop featuring local history and products
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A dedicated education space for schools, families, and groups
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Improved archive and collections storage for future generations
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A research and archaeological archive facility
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A temporary exhibition gallery to host national touring exhibitions
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A more interactive, inclusive, and immersive visitor experience
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Through these developments, Wareham Town Museum will continue to preserve the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future -ensuring that the town’s remarkable history remains alive and relevant for generations to come.
