Frequently asked questions
Can you help with research into my family history?
Because we are mainly run by volunteers, we can only offer a limited amount of time to help with detailed queries. Please contact us through the Contact Us page if you think we can help. However, the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies in Aylesbury has extensive resources and you should find a visit there very helpful.
How can I become a volunteer
Amersham Museum offers various opportunities for volunteering, including weekend and weekday stewarding, leading walks, helping with special events and behind the scenes work. Click here for more information.
How do I contact the Curator?
The Curator will be pleased to answer queries about Amersham Museum’s collection of objects, photographs and documents. See also the links page for other organisations with useful information. Please e-mail via our Contact Us page or telephone 01494 723700.
I would like to offer an item to the Museum. How can I do this?
Amersham Museum is happy to consider all donations so please Contact Us if you are considering offering us an item. As we are a small museum with a focus on local history, not all offers to the collection can be accepted, if we are unable to accept you offer we will advise you of other organisations who may be better placed to accept your donation.
What is the history of the Museum?
The Museum first opened in 1991, following several years of fundraising and volunteer work to renovate the Tudor hall-house. In 1993 the Museum won a National Heritage Award.
In 2001, the Museum built a small extension with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Chiltern District Council. This room, named the Woodcock Room after a generous local benefactor, is used to show an introductory film about Amersham and its inhabitants and display more information about local people and places.
Since 2005, the Museum has updated its facilities and many of its displays installing new showcases, lighting, information panels and a computer touch screen to show more of our extensive photographic collection.
Do you have a shop?
The Museum shop stocks a range of traditional toys at pocket money prices as well as local history books, postcards and unique Amersham Museum gifts. George Ward’s photographs of the old town, its people and traditions are a rare insight into the town between 1880 and 1930 – see the photo page. You can order a print of your choice.
Who owns the Museum?
The Museum is owned and run by a charity (Amersham Museum Ltd, a company limited by guarantee – Company no. 1790935, Charity no. 288865) which was set up in 1984 to raise funds to acquire the medieval building, to repair it and to turn it into the town’s museum. Apart from the part-time Curator, all those involved are volunteers. See above to find out about being a volunteer.