Braunton Museum celebrates 50th anniversary

The Museum in Braunton is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

To commemorate this special occasion, the museum is hosting a Golden Jubilee Draw, offering a grand prize of £100 alongside several other prizes generously donated by local businesses.

The draw is set to take place at the museum on Saturday, August 31, at 12 noon.

Tickets for the draw are priced at just £1 each and can be purchased in advance. 

As part of the festivities, admission to the museum remains free, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history of Braunton.

A spokesperson for the museum expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, saying: “Please come and support us to enable a vibrant museum to continue in Braunton.”

The museum, originally established on Church Street, Braunton, has long served as a repository for memorabilia and artifacts that reflect the town's rich history. 

Braunton's heritage is diverse, encompassing maritime, railway, military, and domestic elements. 

As the museum's collection grew, the original premises on Church Street became too small, prompting the search for a larger venue.

In 1999, after extensive renovations, the museum was relocated to its current home in the Bakehouse Centre, a complex of restored cottages and a bakery. 

The museum's exhibits offer a comprehensive look at Braunton's history, including local landmarks, notable figures, businesses, and properties. 

The museum is truly “all about Braunton.”

In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum also functions as an Information Centre, offering a wide selection of books by local authors, both factual and fiction, as well as maps, flyers for local attractions, and a gift shop. 

The museum is entirely run by dedicated volunteers, supported by a part-time administrator.

Situated by the Caen Street Car Park, the museum is easily accessible to both locals and tourists. 

The opening hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

As the museum celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the team invites everyone to participate in the festivities and contribute to the continuation of the museum.