The Norris Museum

The Norris Museum The Norris Museum is the museum of Huntingdonshire. It tells the story of this historic county through time.

It tells the story of this historic county through the ages. Founded in 1931 under the will of local amateur historian Herbert Norris. He had spent his lifetime collecting books manuscripts and objects relating to the history of Huntingdonshire. When he died he left his collections to the town of St Ives where he was born together with almost his whole estate to pay for the Norris Museum to be bui

lt. The Museum still stands in its original building set in a picturesque riverside garden. As its founder intended, the Norris Museum collects and displays the history of Huntingdonshire from earliest times to the present day. The collections range from the fossilised bones of the giant reptiles that lived here in the time of the dinosaurs 160 million years ago through remains from the Stone Age and the Roman period up to more recent history such as the local craft of lace making and the local sport of ice skating in the nearby Fens. An art gallery displays local paintings and is also used for special exhibitions.

It’s back to school time of the year and perhaps you might fancy an evening class to develop or learn a new skill. Back...
02/09/2026

It’s back to school time of the year and perhaps you might fancy an evening class to develop or learn a new skill. Back in 1898 free Dressmaking classes were being offered in Needingworth by the Huntingdonshire County Council Technical Education Department all organised by Mr Hazlitt the Headmaster of the Boys School, North Road, St Ives.
The advertisement is from the Boys Board School Archive at the Museum.

📦 My Little Memory Box – Coming Soon! ✨What would you put in a box to help someone remember you in years to come?Join us...
29/08/2026

📦 My Little Memory Box – Coming Soon! ✨

What would you put in a box to help someone remember you in years to come?

Join us at the Norris Museum for My Little Memory Box, a FREE creative family activity for Heritage Open Days, inspired by this year’s theme, Everyday Histories.

📅 Saturday 12 September
⏰ 10am–3pm
🎟️ FREE drop-in activity

Decorate your own miniature keepsake box, then fill it with tiny treasures and creations made from colourful craft materials. You can also make a little doodle book all about you, the museum, or whatever you like!

Think about the everyday things that make you you – your favourite things, memories, stories and little moments. What might someone discover about you in years to come?

Come along and make a little box of memories to keep – because today’s everyday moments are tomorrow’s history! 💛

🌟 Thank you to everyone who took part in our Arts Award Discover sessions this August! 🎨It has been wonderful to welcome...
28/08/2026

🌟 Thank you to everyone who took part in our Arts Award Discover sessions this August! 🎨

It has been wonderful to welcome groups and individuals to the Norris Museum and see everyone getting creative, exploring the collections and enjoying the activities.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the sessions so special!
Would you or your group like to take part in Arts Award Discover at the Norris Museum? 🎭🎨

If you’re a community group, SEND group or an individual who would like to find out more, please get in touch with the museum. We’d love to hear from you! Please contact the museum on [email protected]

🎨 Art Adventure Club: Autumn Term 2026! 🍂Get creative together at the Norris Museum this autumn with our family Art Adve...
27/08/2026

🎨 Art Adventure Club: Autumn Term 2026! 🍂

Get creative together at the Norris Museum this autumn with our family Art Adventure Club for children aged 6–11 and their adults!

This term, we’re exploring Patterns in Time through painting, sculpture, printing, collage, clay and junk modelling. Each session is a chance to experiment, get messy and make something wonderful together! ✨

🌀 Ripples in Time & Tree Rings – Saturday 26 September
🍂 Passing Time – Saturday 17 October
⏰ Magical Time – Saturday 7 November
🚀 Time Travel – Saturday 21 November
🎵 Musical Time – Saturday 5 December

All sessions run 2–3:30pm at the Norris Museum.

Tickets are £12 for two, £16.50 for three or £20 for four at a table. Tickets include adults, with at least one adult per table.

Booking is essential: Book your place

Come along, get creative and explore the many different ways we can imagine and represent time through art! 🎨

Why book The Art of Illumination workshop?Because you'll learn from a genuine expert. Anthea Power won the Scriveners Pr...
25/08/2026

Why book The Art of Illumination workshop?

Because you'll learn from a genuine expert. Anthea Power won the Scriveners Prize - one of the most prestigious awards in calligraphy and illumination - and she's bringing that mastery to The Norris Museum for just one day.

You'll walk away with:

A real skill you can continue developing
A beautiful piece of art you've created yourself
Knowledge of a craft that's been treasured for over 1,000 years
Memories of a creative day well spent

Let's be honest... creating something with real gold leaf is pretty special!

The Art of Illumination | Saturday 19 September | £45
Book here: https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2169365

Did you know? John Vigar has visited and recorded over 13,000 churches across England and Wales.And he's found murder, s...
25/08/2026

Did you know? John Vigar has visited and recorded over 13,000 churches across England and Wales.

And he's found murder, s*x and mayhem in nearly all of them.

Discover the dark stories hidden in medieval murals, stained glass, misericords and monuments.

🎤 Murder, S*x and Mayhem in English Churches
📅 Mon 14 Sep | 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets available now:
https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2127774

Meet your tutor: Ernie Butler 🎨Ernie is an internationally exhibited and collected artist who trained under masters of l...
25/08/2026

Meet your tutor: Ernie Butler 🎨

Ernie is an internationally exhibited and collected artist who trained under masters of light and atmosphere. His work has been shown in Chelsea, Venice, and is held in collections worldwide.

But here's what makes him special as a teacher: decades of experience, genuine patience, and a gift for helping people find confidence with every brushstroke.

On 5 September, Ernie will guide you through watercolour fundamentals, techniques, and creative freedom – at your own pace.

"All levels welcome. Just bring curiosity and enthusiasm." – Ernie

Book now: https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2133194

🎨✨ Arts Award Discover in a Day! ✨🎨There are only a few days left until our final Arts Award session of the school holid...
22/08/2026

🎨✨ Arts Award Discover in a Day! ✨🎨
There are only a few days left until our final Arts Award session of the school holidays – don’t miss your chance to join us for a day packed with creativity, imagination and exploration! 🖌️🏛️
Join us at the Norris Museum for a fun-filled day where children aged 7–12 can explore the museum’s galleries and collection while taking part in exciting hands-on activities, which could include:
✏️ Sketching
📝 Creative writing
🧩 Mosaic coasters
🏺 Clay tiles
…and much more!
Throughout the day, everyone will create their own Arts Award logbook to take home and will receive an Arts Award Discover certificate approximately 4 weeks after the session. 🌟
📅 Wednesday 26th August
⏰ 10:00am – 2:30/3:00pm
💷 £15 per participant
🎟️ Limited places – booking essential
👧 Ages 7–12
👨‍👩‍👧 Children must be accompanied by an adult
🥪 Please bring a packed lunch for the lunch break.
Come along for a day of creativity, discovery and achievement at the museum! 🎨✨
🎟️ Book your place via Ticket Tailor – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/norrismuseum

🏰 MURDER, S*X AND MAYHEM IN ENGLISH CHURCHES 🏰An Evening Lecture with John Vigar, Ecclesiastical HistorianFancy a night ...
20/08/2026

🏰 MURDER, S*X AND MAYHEM IN ENGLISH CHURCHES 🏰
An Evening Lecture with John Vigar, Ecclesiastical Historian

Fancy a night of dark history? Join us for a fascinating exploration of the hidden stories lurking in our English parish churches.

Ecclesiastical historian John Vigar – who has visited and recorded over 13,000 churches across England and Wales – will guide you through a selection of images depicting murder and mayhem from across the country, explaining both the stories behind them and their historical significance.

What you'll discover:
✨ Medieval murals and stained glass depicting the martyrdom of saints
✨ Misericords carved with scenes of whippings, wife-beatings and brawls
✨ Monuments and memorials recording stagecoach crashes, shipwrecks, mine collapses, explosions and more

EVENT DETAILS:
📅 Monday 14 September 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 The Norris Museum, PE27 5BX
🎟️ Tickets available now

Perfect for history enthusiasts, church lovers, and anyone curious about the darker side of our local heritage.

About the speaker:
John Vigar has almost certainly visited more churches in England and Wales than anyone now living – and possibly more than anyone ever will. His knowledge of ecclesiastical history and eye for historical detail is unparalleled.

See you there! https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2127774

🎨 Discover the Magic of Watercolour 🎨Join us for a relaxing and immersive watercolour workshop designed for adults of al...
20/08/2026

🎨 Discover the Magic of Watercolour 🎨

Join us for a relaxing and immersive watercolour workshop designed for adults of all abilities (16+).

Whether you've never picked up a brush before or you're looking to refine your skills, this is a welcoming space to explore the luminous, unpredictable, and beautiful world of watercolour painting.

Your tutor: Ernie Butler
An internationally exhibited and collected artist, Ernie trained under masters of light and atmosphere. His work has been shown in Chelsea, Venice, and is held in international collections. As a tutor, he brings decades of experience, patience, and a gift for helping people find confidence.

What you'll learn:
✨ Master essential techniques (wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, colour mixing)
✨ Learn creative effects like lifting, masking, and splatter
✨ Build confidence with personalized guidance
✨ Complete your own unique painting to take home

What's included:
🎨 All professional quality materials (paints, brushes, 300gsm paper)
☕ Tea and coffee
🎯 Expert, personalised guidance
👥 Small group sizes for individual attention

When: Saturday 5 September 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: The Norris Museum, PE27 5BX
Cost: £45 per person
All levels welcome – no prior experience necessary!

Book your spot now: https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2133194

Address

C/o The Norris Museum, 41, The Broadway Street Ives
St Ives
PE275BX

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

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