Heritage Open Day & Local History Fair

The Beacon will once again be welcoming local and family history enthusiasts this September when it opens its doors free of charge for Heritage Open Days.  This year's event is Saturday 11th September when The Beacon's Harbour Gallery and 4th floor Viewing Gallery will once again play host to a variety of Local and Family History Societies from all over West Cumbria as part of the popular Local History Fair.

Whether it be compiling your family tree, researching the history of a village, a trade or a building, representatives will be on hand to advise and of course, explain the benefits of being involved in a history society.

As well as the Local and Family History Societies, visitors will also be treated to a real taste of culture with poetry in local Cumbrian dialect.  There are also plans for traditional musicians to perform at the event.

The RNLI will also be at The Beacon talking to the public, and raising awareness of the organisations work. "The History Fair at The Beacon gives me the opportunity to talk about the long and distinguished history of the RNLI" says David Herron from the RNLI. "Lifeboat crews have saved over 139 000 lives since its foundation in 1824.  As an organisation and charity the RNLI is very much a part of the local community and our presence at the fair will hopefully raise awareness of our lifesaving service and help us to pass on our important safety messages to families and sea users".

Dek Palmer of The Beacon said, "This is the fifth year that we have organised our Local History Fair and it has always been a great success. This year, with the addition of local poets, traditional musicians and the RNLI, it promises to be better than ever".

Heritage Open Days offers members of the public the chance to visit thousands of places across England which are usually closed to the public or have an admission charge.  As part of the event, The Beacon will be offering FREE ADMISSION FOR ONE DAY ONLY to the museum, as well as special offers on annual tickets.

This event starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm.  Last entry to the museum is at 3.45pm.

For further details about The Beacon's Heritage Open Day call us on 01946 592302, e-mail us at thebeacon@copelandbc.gov.uk or visit our website http://www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/.