Twilight Talk: Curious Collections - The Museum of Archaeology’s Long (and Possibly Longer) History
Discover the history of Durham's Museum of Archaeology, from its early days as a cabinet of curiosities to its collection shaped by changing times and people.
Join the Curator of the Museum of Archaeology Gemma Lewis and Graduate Intern Meg Burgess as they delve into the layered and sometimes surprising history of Durham University’s Museum of Archaeology. Founded in 1833 (or perhaps more recently, depending on how you count) it began as a classic ‘cabinet of curiosities,’ showcasing everything from Chinese slippers to Roman artefacts. This talk will trace the museum’s evolution through changing physical spaces, shifting collections, and the people who shaped them from well-known figures like Canon Greenwell to lesser-known contributors.
This talk is part of the Thursday Twilight openings at Palace Green Library. Find out more about the museums and collections from across Durham University, including Archive and Special Collections, the Art Collection, Cosin's Library, Durham Castle Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Oriental Museum.