The Hastings & St Leonards Museum Association was founded in 1889.The Association is believed to be the oldest such society in the country and opened the first museum in Hastings in 1892 in the Brassey Institute (now the central library).On 1st March 1905 ownership the Association’s now large collections was transferred to Hastings Borough Council. There was a civic ceremony that August attended by large crowds and many dignitaries.
In accepting the gift the Mayor said that the Town would never be satisfied that the Museum should remain stationary, but would endeavour to make it one of the chief attractions of the Borough.
In 1928 the Borough purchased John’s Place, built in 1923 in the Tudor style and the Museum and its collections moved in.
The Hastings & St Leonards Museum Association retained an interest in the organization and control of the Museum and in accordance with the Deed of Transfer it is able to nominate 6 members to serve on the Borough’s Museums Committee.
The Association welcomes new members and membership forms are available at both John’s Place, Bohemia Road, Hastings TN34 1ET, and the Old Town Museum, High Street, Hastings, or can be downloaded here as a 'word' document or here in pdf format Telephone: 01424 451052.
email
Subscriptions are £7.00 individual; £12.00 for 2 persons at the same mailing address; £60.00 Life Membership.
Membership gives reductions to events, workshops and excursions. more >
Illustrated talk, Sunday 4th March 2012 at Hastings Museum
"Art & Photography" by Dr Graham Whithan
£3 admission
