As Hallowe’en and half-term approach, Herefordshire Museums & Galleries have an exciting programme of themed activities on offer for all those who have an interest in their history and heritage.
During half-term, you can take part in our ‘Night at the Museum – Trapped in Time’ interactive game, which takes place during the day on Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October. Delivered in partnership with Hereford College of Arts performance and music students, you will be guided by costumed characters through the 17th century Old House Hereford, where rumours abound that exhibitions are coming to life. Expect spooky surprises as you help to solve the mystery and save the day! The event is included with Old House entry* and there’s no need to book – just turn up for one of the performance times: 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am or 12noon on each of the above days.
Throughout half term week, we’ll be offering our Hallowe’en House trail at the Old House. Free with entry to the Old House, your help is needed to spot objects that have been moving mysteriously around the house and to crack the case as to why this has been happening. The activity is suitable for all ages from 4 years. There’s no need to book, but please note this event will not be available during the performance times of the ‘Night at the Museum – Trapped in Time’ interactive experience (as above).
Super sleuths of all ages (13+) may also be interested in our Murder at the Museum event, taking place on Wednesday 30 October from 7-9pm at the Old House Hereford. In partnership with Death on Demand Theatre Company, you’ll step back into the 1930s to solve the murder of the despised curator, Dai Beddoes. Working in teams or individually, you will interrogate suspects, gather evidence and uncover surprise twists as the drama unfolds throughout the Old House. Tickets are just £10 + booking fee from Eventbrite. Please note that access to the event involves stairs to multiple floors. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
For something a little less spooky, our next Saturday Spotlight Talk takes place at the History Store on Saturday 25 October at 4pm. Local author and historian, Clare Wichbold, will present ‘Hard Work, But Glorious – the next chapter’, exploring the updated story of the women’s suffrage campaign in Herefordshire. There is a small charge of £5 + booking fee to attend. Book via Eventbrite.
And don’t forget Museum on the Move, which is visiting Hereford in October. You can find it at the Courtyard Family Festival on 29 October (10am-4pm), Hereford Town Hall on 30 October (10am-4pm) and Hereford Library on 31 October (10am-12pm).
Damian Etheraads, Head of Culture, Museums, Libraries and Archives at Herefordshire Council, said:
This October our museums are bursting with activity. The Old House, with its creaking floors and centuries of history, sets the stage for ghostly games, time-slips and even a murder mystery or two. But that’s only part of the story. At the History Store we’ll be uncovering extraordinary true tales from Herefordshire’s past, and our Museum on the Move will be popping up too. From curious kids to culture lovers, puzzle-solvers to history enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, a mix of fun, intrigue and discovery you won’t find anywhere else.
For further information on these and other upcoming Herefordshire Museums & Galleries activities, email the museums team at herefordmuseums@herefordshire.gov.uk or visit their Facebook page. You can also pick up a copy of the latest ‘What’s On’ brochure from the Old House Hereford, The History Store, tourist information centres and libraries.
* Entry to the Old House Hereford is £4 for over 16s, £3.50 concessions, free for under 16s. Opening hours are: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday; 11am-4pm Sunday.