A History of Ancient House in 100 Objects Exhibition
21 White Hart Street, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1AD
As part of the museum's programme to mark the centenary of its opening on 11 December 1924, this engaging exhibition has been curated by local school and community groups, working with the museum's curator.
Each group has chosen ten items which came into the museum collection during each decade the museum has been open, from the 1920s to the 2020s. Delving into the museum archives, the community curators researched hundreds of objects to come up with their final shortlists to go on display.
Their intriguing and unusual selections include Thomas Paine's death mask, a famous hoard of Roman silver coins, personal items such as wig curlers and dress pins and objects from people's working lives across the centuries like an ancient quern stone and a set of postal scales. The public life of the town is revealed in items such as a poster for Town Hall entertainments (featuring a 'laughing horse' no less!) and a Coronation Medal of Edward VII. Uniting this huge range of objects is the sense that they are all, in their own way, 'treasure'.
The exhibition also tells the fascinating story of Ancient House's origins as a museum and its development over the past century into the much-loved community hub it is today. Enjoy a fun visit finding out the stories behind the choice of objects and join in the celebrations of our 100th birthday year!
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1700
Location & directions
21 White Hart Street, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1AD
- Directions:
- Ancient House Museum can be accessed from White Hart Street, where there are also several public car parks.
- Telephone number:
- +441842752599
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- This event is usually very popular so advanced booking is recommended to guarantee entry.
- Booking opens:
- 27 Aug 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Four of the ground floor exhibition rooms, shop, garden & toilet are accessible to wheelchair users. There is no lift to the upper floor but a guide describing the displays is available from the reception desk. There is scaffolding outside the building next door which restricts access to the nearest dropped kerb to the museum. There is a more accessible dropped kerb 200m down White Hart Street towards the high street. For up to date information please contact the museum on 01842 752599 so that staff can advise you further. A visual story for autistic visitors is available.
