Museum of Chelmsford

01/10/2026

Our next SEN Friendly Day will take place on Saturday 10 October from 10am to 5pm.

These specially designed days offer a quieter, more inclusive museum experience for visitors with sensory, neurodiverse or additional needs, as well as their families, friends and carers.

To help visitors feel comfortable, we reduce sensory stimulation where possible by lowering audio effects, minimising background noise, switching off hand dryers, and providing sensory resources such as ear defenders, fidget toys and access to quiet spaces.

Our Discover Studio is a great place for reading, crafting and chilling out too!

29/09/2026

We are really looking forward to History Hit's Tristan Hughes returning this month for his talk about the funeral heist of Alexander the Great!

After his episode about The Great Baddow Coin Hoard, filmed for the History Hit podcast, we were keen to invite him back to discuss one of his favourite topics.

Visit the History Hit YouTube channel for a taster, or to catch up on the story before Tristan's talk on Saturday 17 October:

History Hit's Tristan Hughes travels to Egypt to explore its extrao...

28/09/2026

What does treasure mean? ✨

Inspired by the Great Baddow Coin Hoard, Film and Photography students from Chelmsford College have created a personal exhibition exploring the people, places, memories and passions they value most.

Discover What Matters Most and see how treasure can be found in everyday life from now until 23 November. 💛

Learn more here: https://www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk/events/chelmsford-college-what-matters-most/

26/09/2026

Let your imagination take flight this October Half Term at our ‘Museum Magical Makes’ sessions!

From 27 to 29 October, children and their families are invited to join us to create their own spooky crafts, including a magical pumpkin decoration and a broomstick keychain. These sessions are suitable for children aged 5 – 11 and their families.

Come ready for magic, creativity and adventure. Dressing-up encouraged!

🕛 10:30am and 1:30pm
🎟️ £5 Members | £6 non-members

Book here - https://chelmsford.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/81993?catID=70807&

25/09/2026

It's almost time for our Boris the Bear to take the spotlight! 🤩

Ever wondered how can a single strand of hair help solve a wildlife crime? Join us tomorrow (Saturday 26 September) at 11am for Behind the Case: A Bear Poaching Investigation!

Prof Claire Gwinnett and researcher Hayden Leigh will reveal how real forensic science is being used to investigate illegal bear poaching in Europe. You’ll even have the chance to examine hairs from our very own Boris the Bear under the microscope!

Perfect for adults and families with older children interested in forensics, wildlife or true crime.

Get your paws on the last remaining tickets here: https://bit.ly/469qB5g

23/09/2026

🍂 It’s time to introduce you to a new History Hero! 🍂

Today marks the Autumn Equinox, and as summer gives way to autumn, we felt it was the perfect time to complete our team of History Heroes: Rosie Greenheart, Eco-Emissary of Oaklands Park!

Legend says she was born from the wisdom of Oaklands Park’s oldest oak tree. Rosie knows every flower, insect and hidden corner of the landscape. With her Green Fingers Touch, Root Radar, and a little help from her pollinator friends, she helps protect the stories that grow all around us.

As the seasons change, Rosie is here to remind us that nature has a history of its own. We’ll be introducing her throughout the seasons in Oaklands Park and the museum. You never know where she might be spotted next 🍂🌳🐝

22/09/2026

What a weekend! ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Heritage Open Days 2026. It was wonderful to welcome so many new and familiar faces coming through our doors to explore or take part in one of our workshops and tours.

It was such a great weekend, and we hope you enjoyed exploring the museum!

21/09/2026

📣 Fans of almost unbelievable historic deaths: we have the event for you!

Join us to hear Tristan Hughes, host of the History Hit podcast The Ancients, and Alexander the Great superfan. He will tell the formidable tale of what happened after Alexander died.

It is a titanic struggle for power and control over his empire that involves war, body snatching, extremely slow carriage chases and a thousand soldiers being eaten alive by crocodiles in the Nile!

🕛 Saturday 17 October, 2pm
📍 Museum of Chelmsford
🎟 £15 / £12 for members

Book here: https://bit.ly/4h3fGAj
In case you missed it, check out our History Hit episode about the Great Baddow Coin Hoard: https://youtu.be/xM1lzr2K2cY?si=jbDa_fTABksWCLxI

19/09/2026

Gold diadem, Luftwaffe model, or Dukes nightclub sign? 🤔

This weekend, we invite you to vote on your top treasures! Visit us this weekend, for free, and cast your vote 🪙

Votes will decide on our new Top 10 Treasure Trail that visitors will follow as part of the 2027 Visitor Guide 📖

Here’s a closer look at just a few of the many beautiful and interesting items on the list, plus more for inspo if you think we’ve missed one 🔎

You can vote in person until April 2027, and this weekend is the perfect opportunity to do so! We will be open for free all weekend as part of Chelmsford's Heritage Open Days, with activities and trails to take part in.

Can’t make it in person this weekend? You can also vote online via the link in the comments 🗳️

18/09/2026

We can bear-ly contain our excitement over our latest podcast episode all about Boris the Bear!

Episode 4 of The Chelmsford Broadcast takes a look into how our very own taxidermy bear is a major part of a research project to help end illegal bear poaching, plus a few facts that have never been shared with the public about Boris’ past. In addition, hear about the lives of two Victorian servants at Oaklands House from Rachel, while Maxine’s Chelmsfordian of the Week reveals the story of the first woman to ever be arrested in the UK for speeding!

🎧 Listen now on all podcast streaming platforms: https://bit.ly/46iRV11

If you find yourself wanting to know more after listening to Episode 4, make sure you check out Rachel’s tour Museum Memories: The Wells Family Life at Oaklands for more information about the Wells Family and Behind the Case: A Bear Poaching Investigation led by Prof Claire Gwinnett, alongside researcher Hayden Leigh – you’ll even get to examine some of Boris the Bear’s hairs yourself!