Agenda item

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The Operations Manager, Assistant Head of Museums, Curator of the Lynn Museum, and Learning and Engagement Officer presented the report on the King’s Lynn Museum activities in the period from March to August 2026. A copy of the report is attached in the Minutes.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the following areas of the report:

1)     Exhibitions and events at Lynn Museum

1.1                    Current Exhibition: Secrets from the Store

1.2                    Previous exhibition: May The Toys Be With You

1.3                    Family Events

1.4                    Family Trails

1.5                    Mini Museum

1.6                    Coffee Mornings

The Chair, Councillor Kemp, referred to the family events and coffee mornings and asked how these events were publicised, including to schools. The Curator of the Lynn Museum advised they had a strong social media presence and marketing team. He added they worked closely with colleagues in the town centre and used targeted Meta adverts to publicise their events.

Councillor de Whalley asked whether the Norfolk Museum Service would consider a temporary exhibition to accompany the reopening of St George’s Guildhall in 2028. It was confirmed that the curatorial teams were working closely with the borough council on supporting the development of the Guildhall in order to maximise the impact of the reopening.

The Committee’s attention was drawn further to the following areas of the report:

1.7                    Talks Programme

1.8                    Workshops

1.9                    Seahenge Guided tour for National Lottery Open Week

1.10                 Seahenge Collaboration with Groundwork Gallery

In response to a question from the Chair regarding home educated and reduced-timetable students, the Learning and Engagement Officer confirmed that the Lynn Museum and Stories of Lynn partnered up to deliver a monthly home education programme, which includes students who operate on a reduced timetable.

Councillor de Whalley queried whether the museum service offers any programmes that engage non-mainstream schools. It was confirmed that the Lynn Museum had worked closely with SEN schools and they were developing a range of learning programmes that can better meet the needs of individuals and small groups that may not be supported through mainstream education.

Further attention was drawn to the following areas of the report:

2)     Newman Legacy Project

3)     Other Museum Developments

3.1 Publicity and Promotion

3.1.1 Social Media

3.1.2 YouTube and Googe Arts and Culture Platforms

3.1.3 Traditional Media

3.2 Norfolk Museums Pass

3.3 NMS Teaching Museum Trainees

3.4 Retail offer at Lynn Museum

3.5 Volunteers

Councillor Kybird referred to the reserve collections. The Assistant Head of Museums confirmed that the collections work funded through the Newman Legacy is focused upon the Lynn Museum collections, some of which are stored at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse.

Councillor Kemp commented on the limited artefacts on display in the exhibition at Stories of Lynn from the 17^th Century. It was explained that this display was put together by a group of young people, however some items were unavailable to them at the time, and some weren’t chosen by the young people to be a part of the exhibition. Councillor Kemp thanked the young people for their hard work in putting this exhibition together.

In response to a question from County Councillor Williams, the Assistant Head of Museums explained that the collections at King’s Lynn were rich and diverse, including that of Seahenge and Horace the Tiger. Members were advised that Lynn Museum adhere to a detailed Collections Management Strategy, which identifies clear themes and priorities for future collecting, ensuring collections remain relevant to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and its heritage.

County Councillor Williams questioned whether the museum has displays showing the engineering heritage of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. It was confirmed that the museum displays the work of Frederick Savage and holds engineering drawings and wooden patterns from Savage’s works, together with displays relating to other King’s Lynn companies and industries.

In response to a question from the Chair regarding digitalising items, the Curator of the Lynn Museum explained that this was a project in waiting due to the resources associated with this work.

Councillor de Whalley asked how the museum could secure a loan of significant West Norfolk artefacts held by the British Museum. It was explained that the museum service has built a strong relationship with the British Museum which has allowed artefacts to be displayed locally. It was further explained that replicas can be valuable, however, museums must balance use of replicas and expectations of visitors to see the real item.

County Councillor Rob Colwell, Vice-Chair, praised the museums’ social media teams and made reference to the ‘Twilight Ticket’ offered at the Lynn Museum. He asked if this scheme was promoted. The Assistant Head of Museums explained that this scheme was well-established across Norfolk and was promoted via social media, and other advertising. It was noted that the museum offers free admission to households receiving benefits, fostering and adoptive families, and Armed Forces families.

In relation to free admission during winter, Councillor Kemp suggested additional signage in the windows of Lynn Museum could help to raise awareness of this offer, particularly to those waiting for a bus at the station. It was agreed that the museum would review this.

Further attention was drawn to the following areas of the report:

3.6  Finds Identification and Recording Day

4) Borough Council partnership working

4.1 Stories of Lynn – Events and Exhibitions

5) Learning and Outreach

5.1 School Visits – Lynn Museum

5.2 School Visits – Stories of Lynn

5.3 Kick the Dust – Activity in King’s Lynn

6 Kick the Dust Norfolk – Countywide programme update

In response to a question from the Chair, the Learning and Engagement Officer estimated 660 children attended the Rampage Through the Iron Age workshops, although she would follow up and confirm the figure after the meeting.

Committee Members were advised that, over the previous year, 26 work experience placements had been hosted at Stories of Lynn in partnership with the College of West Anglia and Kick the Dust. It was also explained that an online programme had been delivered to widen access to young people across the region.

Councillor Kybird suggested that a letter was written and sent to former Committee Member, John Ward, in thanks of his years of service and support on the Committee. It was agreed that the Chair would compose and send the letter on behalf of the Committee.

RESOLVED: The Committee noted the report.