Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

Discover inside:6 Museums14 Exhibitions100+ Events

Visit our Museums

Free admission to all our museums

www.eastlothian.gov.uk/museums

2015

Visit East Lothian Council’s MuseumsContents4 About our Museums

6 Exhibitions

9 Regular Activities

11 Events for All

15 Accessible Events

15 Venue Hire

16 Opening Times and Locations of Venues

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

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Discover the delights that East Lothian has to offer at the six museums run or supported by East Lothian Council Museums Service. All are free to visit:

> Coastal Communities Museum, North Berwick

>Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

>John Gray Centre Museum, Haddington

>John Muir’s Birthplace, Dunbar

>Musselburgh Museum

>Prestongrange Museum, Prestonpans

For opening times and locations of each museum, please turn to the back page of the booklet, or see our ‘About Our Museums’ section (pg 4) for further information. This booklet contains details of the exhibitions, activities and events at each venue.

At the museum store we also care for thousands of objects and for those wishing to find out more, the museums catalogue can be browsed online at www.johngraycentre.org.

Connect with us online> www.eastlothian.gov.uk/museums – sign up to

our enewsletter via our website

> For more information about visiting East Lothian, see www.visiteastlothian.org

> Facebook: East Lothian Council Museums Service

> Twitter: @ELMuseumService, @JM_Birthplace, @JohnGrayCentre, @DunbarTownHouse

Welcome

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About our Museums

Coastal Communities MuseumThe volunteer-run Coastal Communities Museum aims to bring to life the history of the towns and villages of the coastal ward. The exhibits and related activities will be of interest to both adults and children.

All of our museums are free to visit, donations are welcome. For opening times and locations, see the back page of this booklet. Each museum has its own mascots, which you can spot below, and find out more about when you visit.

John Gray Centre, HaddingtonThe John Gray Centre Museum is located on the first floor of the Centre. This 5-star museum tells the story of East Lothian from its earliest settlers to present-day communities. Explore the land, the sea and the people of this historic region through our film, audio guides, activity sheets and handling objects. The Centre also contains the Haddington Library and East Lothian Archives and Local History Centre.

Dunbar Town House Museum and GalleryThe historic Dunbar Town House, built towards the end of the 16th century, contains what is considered Scotland’s oldest functioning Council Chamber. The building is home to a museum and gallery with changing historical and art exhibitions as well as a local history display area and research room managed by Dunbar and District History Society.

John Muir’s Birthplace, DunbarThis hands-on interpretation centre is located in John Muir’s first family home. Discover how the boy from Dunbar with a passion for nature became one of the driving forces behind the modern conservation movement. Explore our three floors of interactive displays, which are complemented by a lively exhibition and events programme.

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Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

Musselburgh Museum Musselburgh Museum offers a fascinating visit for all ages. Discover the history of the Honest Toun from its earliest days, through Roman settlement and medieval upheaval, to its fame as a thriving fishing harbour and valuable industrial site. The museum has a programme of changing displays and exhibitions, so there is always something new to see. There are also activities for children and families.

Prestongrange Museum Prestongrange is a site of major importance in the story of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Visitors can discover the story of the harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks. A Cornish beam engine is available to visit via a guided tour. The Visitor Centre includes an exhibition area, shop and café. Prestongrange is a family-friendly site, with an indoor play area for children, trail sheets and outdoor games.

Free admission to all our museums

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Coastal Communities MuseumHenry Scott Tuke – an artist in North Berwick Friday, 3 April–Sunday, 17 May Celebrating a unique link between a 19th-century painter and his time spent in North Berwick. The exhibition will feature Tuke paintings of familiar local scenes and portraits of the Hamilton Dalrymple family. Look out for details of further exhibitions and events at www.coastalmuseum.org.

Dunbar Town House Museum & GalleryA History of Dunbar Town House – Guided Tour Wednesday, 1 April–Wednesday, 30 September Dunbar Town House was at the centre of Dunbar’s civic life for over 500 years. This display explores its role through objects and photographs connected to its long history. Share your own memories and enjoy a display of local contemporary art.

X-ray Photography by Hugh Turvey Wednesday, 1 April–Saturday, 9 May This exhibition will display a collection of exciting x-ray images of crop and plant species from the fertile East Lothian soils and John Muir’s botanical prints.

Fertile Ground: Soil Saturday, 16 May-Saturday, 20 June The first John Muir artist in residence explores the importance of both light and soil during this UN Year of Light 2015 and International Year of Soil 2015.

Picturing Dunbar Saturday, 4 July–Wednesday, 30 September Explore Dunbar’s history as a holiday hotspot, bustling herring port and powerful Royal Burgh in this fascinating display of oil paintings, pastels, watercolours and engravings. Accompanied by a busy programme of art inspired activities for adults and families.

Community exhibitions April–September Local groups and artists will be exhibiting work in Dunbar Town House’s Community Room. Get in touch to find out about current exhibitions and apply to put on your own.

exhibitions

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John Gray CentreThe Land, the Sea, the People Permanent exhibition This fascinating exhibition showcases the history of East Lothian, with paintings and objects ranging from Bronze Age urns to fishing boats.

The Magic of Masks and Puppets Saturday, 21 March–Wednesday, 20 May This fun and interactive exhibition for the whole family is packed with visual art, design, craft, drama, history and world culture. Highlights include film animatronics plus Scottish, Greek and Indonesian puppets. On loan from the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre.

remarkable Trees: Photographs from the collection of George Paxton (1850–1904) Monday, 1 June–Tuesday, 22 September Exhibited for the first time outside the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, ‘Remarkable Trees’ features images taken by George Paxton, a pioneering Scottish amateur photographer, botanist and social historian of the late 19th century. See www.johngraycentre.org to find out about associated events. ‘Remarkable Trees’ was researched and organised by Paul Nesbitt and Dr Helen Bennett of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and was first presented at Inverleith House.

Best Days of Your Life? Saturday, 3 October–Tuesday, 12 January 2016 What are your memories of your school days? This exhibition from the East Lothian Archive & Local History Services looks at the history of education in the county, from early years and educational reform, to playground games and school dinners.

Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

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John Muir’s BirthplaceJohn Muir’s Life and Legacy Permanent exhibition Explore Muir’s childhood in Dunbar, travels, adventures and conservation battles that resulted in the creation of the National Parks. This stunning exhibition combines historic images and quotes with interactive elements about the relevance of Muir’s legacy today.

Our Best Playgrounds: John Muir for wee ones Saturday, 18 April–Sunday, 4 October Play, explore and find out together about John Muir’s animal stories and outdoor adventures in our fun exhibition for under 5s and families. Visiting as a group? Please let us know you are coming so we make you welcome!

Musselburgh MuseumMusselburgh’s ‘Hidden’ History Thursday, 2 April-Saturday, 16 May On display will be some of the many official papers and documents relating to the Burgh, dating from the 1600’s. Look out for details of further exhibitions at www.musselburghmuseum.org.uk.

Prestongrange MuseumWild Prestongrange: encounter the animals and plants of Prestongrange Wednesday, 1 April–Wednesday, 30 September Discover the animals, plants, flowers and mini-beasts that inhabit the Prestongrange site. Learn some surprising facts, hear natural sounds, and share your own sightings! Plus, go on our specially created walks to spot animals and plants in their natural habitats and try out activities for young children.

exhibitions (continued)

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School Holiday Drop-in ActivitiesDunbar Town House, John Muir’s Birthplace and John Gray Centre Museum Every East Lothian school holiday£1 donation per childDrop-in craft activities suitable for children of all ages, and accompanying adults.

Passport to the Past and the Great Museum ChallengeDuring museum opening hours Under-14s | Any museum | Free, donations welcomeCome and be a museum detective or test your wits with our activity sheets, and pick up a free Passport to the Past. Collect stickers and stamps at any of East Lothian Council’s museums to win our special Museum Challenger badge!

Crafty Sundays John Gray Centre Every Sunday, October–December 1.30–3.30pm | Suggested donation £1 per child Drop in for themed crafts activities, scavenger hunts, storytelling and more, and let your wee ones explore their creative side! Activities are suitable for children of all ages and accompanying adults.

Museum Audio GuidesJohn Gray Centre Available daily during opening hours Over-15s | Free, donations welcome The main exhibition has been largely audio-described, with vivid descriptions of the objects on display and fascinating background information about them. It has been developed to bring the exhibition to life for visually impaired people, and includes optional navigational guidelines for getting around the exhibition. Suitable for all visitors.

Monthly talks at the John Gray CentreStar Room Last Tuesday of the month 7–8pm | Adults | £5 (£3 conc) per person Alternating art and history, experts come and talk on different themes each month. More information can be found on www.johngraycentre.org.

regular Activities

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Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

John’s Friday Friends John Muir’s Birthplaceevery second Friday in school term time2.30pm-4pm l £3.64 per childDiscover John Muir’s love of nature at our fortnightly sessions for 5-11 year olds. Booking essential via 01368 865899 or email museumseast@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Tiny TuesdaysPrestongrange MuseumEvery Tuesday in May–September 1pm–2pm | £2 donation Join us for wee crafts, stories and dance to stimulate children’s creativity. Tiny Tuesdays are a great time for adults to meet, find support and bond with their babies and toddlers.

Prestongrange Museum Guided ToursAvailable daily, May–September Duration 1 hr | EveryoneJoin us to discover the history and stories of the site – monks, mining and industrial might that spans more than 800 years. For more information, call 0131 653 2904 or go to www.prestongrange.org.

Bookable group activities at the John Gray CentreTreasure toursBring your group for a guided tour of the exhibitions, archives and local history centre. See some extraordinary, unique and special items. Treasure tours can be tailored for any interest or age, and can be adapted for groups with special access needs.

research workshopsAvailable until November 2015The archives and local history centre are packed with information and primary sources about East Lothian, dating back to the earliest days of record-keeping. We can arrange a special workshop to help you and your group get started with your research, whether you are working on individual or team projects. We’ll also give you an insight into the resources you can find and use online, not least our own website.

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eggs-cellent easter Hunt John Gray Centre, Prestongrange Museum, Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, John Muir’s BirthplaceFriday, 3 April–Monday, 6 April £1 per activity | Everyone welcome Drop-in event, no booking required Our museums are eggs-ploding with Easter Fun this year! Follow a family trail to find Easter suprises or make an Easter mask! John Muir Day CelebrationsIn conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage, there will be a number of events taking place in East Lothian to celebrate Muir’s love of the outdoors and his birthday this April. Full programme of activities and events at www.visiteastlothian.org/johnmuir2015.asp.

Festival of Museums Weekend

eat, Drink and Love History Friday, 15 May–Sunday, 17 May In this interactive and tasty weekend we invite our visitors to Eat, Drink and Love History! We will have 3 events across 4 museums, tailored to distinctive audiences (adults, under-5s and families), that explore East Lothian’s rich harvests of sea and land.

Fiddles, Folklore and Food John Gray Centre Friday, 15 May 7pm–9pm | £5 entry, food and drink not included | Adults Book in advance on 01620 820690 or jgc@eastlothian.gov.uk Experience East Lothian’s history through a night of award-winning musical performances, historical re-enactors, artist-led workshops, locally produced food and beer tasting.

events for AllMore events at www.johngraycentre.org/events

CHiLDreN uNDer 8 MuST Be ACCOMPANieD BY AN ADuLT.

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Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

Devouring NatureJohn Muir’s Birthplace, Dunbar Town House Museum and GallerySaturday, 16 May 1pm–4pm | Suggested donation £2 per family/group | Everyone welcome | Drop-in event, no booking required Join us for a variety of family-friendly activities that explore John Muir’s experience of food as he grew up in the mid 19th century, foraging on his travels, foods produced on the family’s American farms and fruit ranch, and his legacy today as Dunbar works to becoming Scotland’s first Zero Waste Town.

edible ArchaeologyPrestongrange Museum Sunday, 17 May 1pm–4pm | £1 per person, per workshop Families (children 8+) Explore the tasty side of archaeology! Join us for hands-on archaeological activities to learn how people lived in the past. Our family workshops include pottery-making, cake excavation, dissecting artificial ‘poo’ and handling real archaeological artefacts.

Face-Painting WorkshopPrestongrange Museum Saturday, 6 June 1pm, 2pm & 3pm | £5 per person | Ages 10+ Book in advance on 0131 653 2904 or prestongrange@btconnect.com Gather inspiration from our Wild Prestongrange exhibition for this hands-on workshop. Learn basic techniques of professional face-painting, including brush and sponge work. Practise on each other and transform yourself into woodland creatures, pink flowers and more! Part of the 3 Harbours Art Festival.

Wild Afternoon Prestongrange Museum Sunday, 7 June 12pm–3pm | £2 donation | Ages 6 and under Celebrate all things wild in this interactive afternoon for wee children and their families. Handle exotic animals, go on a wild storytelling adventure, create natural art and pot plants to take home. Part of the 3 Harbours Art Festival.

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Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

‘Museum cake’ bake-offJohn Gray Centre Saturday, 20 June 11am–1pm (10am start for bakers) £2 per slice | EveryoneCalling all cake lovers! Join us for a delicious coffee morning to raise money for East Lothian’s dementia-friendly community. For more information and to see the recipes go to www.johngraycentre.org/museumcakeday.

Summer Holiday WorkshopsWorkshops at four of our venuesEvery week 7 July–13 August, £3.64 per child | Suitable for ages 4–12Join us for our popular workshops over the summer holidays on a variety of different topics including Romans, Egyptians and Pirates! Full details of workshops and how to book will be online at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/musems from mid-May onwards. Most workshops require booking beforehand, please contact the individual museums for details of availability. Workshops last 1.5 hours and are designed to be accessible to all.

Family History DayJohn Gray Centre Saturday 29 August 10.30am–4pm | All ages | Free, donations welcomeDrop-in event, booking required for some activities. Details available from July at www.johngraycentre.org/events.

east Lothian Archaeology & Local History FortnightSaturday, 29 August–Monday, 14 SeptemberDetails available from July at www.johngraycentre.org/events

encampment! east Lothian Military History Day Prestongrange Museum Saturday, 5 September 11am–4pm | £2 donation per group/family | Everyone Drop-in event, booking required for some activitiesStep into recreated military camps and try out hands-on activities for families. Meet Romans, Jacobites, a Queen and everyone in between on this time-travelling day of living history.

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Visit East Lothian Council’s Museums

end of Season Pirate PartyPrestongrange Museum Friday, 25 September 2pm–4pm | £4.85 per child | Families with children aged 3+Gather young pirates for games, stories, crafts and an outdoor treasure hunt! Our party is perfect for children and their adults to attend. Book on 0131 653 2904 or email Prestongrange@btconnect.com

Draw like a pirate (part of The Big Draw)John Gray Centre Friday, 16 October 1.30–3.30pm | Children aged 6–12; families £2.50 per childGather round, pirate children, for Draw Like a Pirate – part o’ The Big Draw. Can ye draw standin’ on one peg leg or with a blindfold on? How about drawin’ a straight line while walkin’ the plank? Join us for a sketchy good time. Prizes for best-dressed pirates.

Halloween PartyDunbar Town House Museum and Gallery Friday, 30 October 2.30–4pm | Primary school-aged children £3.64 per child Games, dancing, Halloween crafts, dooking for apples and a spooky tour are all included in this special afternoon of magical fun. Don’t forget the fancy dress competition! Booking essential, contact John Muir’s Birthplace on 01368 865899.

Lauderdale Community Choir – 30-voice A Cappella Choir AndanteBelhaven Parish Church Friday, 23 OctoberA John Muir-themed programme, to include ‘The John Muir Suite’, by American composer Peter Bird, as well as choral pieces by Dvořák, Karl Jenkins, Britten and Delius. Ticket details at www.jmbt.org.uk from August.

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Let us host your event! We have 3 spaces available for hire for corporate, educational and charitable events or meetings. Dunbar Town House is also available for marriage ceremonies.

Further information – For details of fees and more about the spaces, go to www.eastlothian.gov.uk/museums. You can also get in touch via the following email addresses:

> museumseast@eastlothian.gov.uk for Dunbar Town House.

> haddingtonregistrars@eastlothian.gov.uk for marriage ceremonies at Dunbar Town House.

> jgc@eastlothian.gov.uk for the John Gray Centre.

venue Hire

Accessible eventsAt the John Gray Centre, you can arrange a guided tour or creative workshop for groups with extra needs. We welcome groups of between four and eight people, plus guide dogs (and guide friends). Please contact us a minimum of two weeks before you’d like to come. Phone 01620 820690 or email jgc@eastlothian.gov.uk to find out more and book.

Museum Guided Tours for GroupsJohn Gray Centre | Adults | Free, donations welcome | Booking essentialOur highly enjoyable guided and audio-described tours of the museum exhibition often provoke fascinating memories and conversations, and are a great opportunity for reminiscence. Also rewarding for those with visual impairment.

Creative Workshops for Adults with Additional Support NeedsJohn Gray Centre | Adults | Free, donations welcome | Booking essentialThemes include relief printing and plaster-cast and mould-making, and we will develop other workshops to suit your interests and abilities. If you’re feeling creative but lack confidence because you’re visually impaired or have other difficulties, this is for you!

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Visit East Lothian Council’s MuseumsFind us Coastal Communities Museum School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU Tel: 01620 894 313 For details of opening times and exhibitions see www.coastalmuseum.org Operated by The Coastal Communities Museum Trust SCIO 43666 in partnership with East Lothian Council.

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER Tel: 01368 866030 Open: Mon–Sun, 1pm–5pm (Apr–Sept) The museum is open at weekends courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society from 1 October to 31 March. See www.eastlothian.gov.uk/museums for details.

John Gray Centre Museum 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX Tel: 01620 820690 Open: Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm; Sat, 10am–4pm; Sun, 1pm–4pm Museum closed Wednesday and Thursday from 1 October to 31 March. www.johngraycentre.org.

John Muir’s Birthplace 126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ Tel: 01368 865899 Open: Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm; Sun, 1pm–5pm Closed Monday and Tuesday from 1 October to 31 March. Operated in partnership with The John Muir Birthplace Trust SC 028244.

Musselburgh Museum 65 High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 7BZ Tel: 0131 665 6642 Open: Thurs–Sat, 10.30am–4pm Open 2 April to 31 October. www.musselburghmuseum.org.uk Musselburgh Museum is operated by the volunteers of Musselburgh Museum and Heritage Group (SC 003967) in partnership with East Lothian Council.

Prestongrange Museum Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX Tel: 0131 653 2904 Open: Mon–Sun, 11.30am–4.30pm (Apr–Sept). Closed October–March.

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