Seaford Museum & Heritage Society

The Seaford Museum & Heritage Society is a UK nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the local history and heritage of Seaford in East Sussex, England. Established in 1979, the society focuses on educating the public about the town's past and its environs through its museum and various activities.

Objectives and Activities

The primary objective of the Seaford Museum & Heritage Society is to inform and educate the public about the rich history of Seaford and its surroundings. To achieve this, the society maintains a public museum located in the historic Martello Tower, which houses a diverse collection of historical artifacts and exhibits. These exhibits include maritime and domestic items, reflecting the town's significant maritime heritage and everyday life through the centuries.

The society engages in various educational and cultural activities, including exhibitions and events that highlight specific aspects of Seaford's history. One notable example includes the work of local volunteers, such as Ben Franks, who manage historical blogs that provide insights into lesser-known aspects of the town's past, like the "Camera Fiends" from the Downs School for Young Ladies during and before World War I[1][2].

Museum and Martello Tower

The Seaford Museum is situated within Martello Tower 74, a defensive structure built between 1806 and 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars. The tower, surrounded by a dry, brick-lined moat, is a testament to the region's military history and has undergone several transformations since its original purpose. Following various uses, including as a commercial venue and even a roller skating rink, it was acquired by Lewes District Council in 1976 and dedicated to housing the museum in 1979[5].

The museum offers a significant collection of artifacts spanning over 5,000 square feet, including covered sections of the moat. It operates as a visitor center, archive, and museum shop. Public access to the document archive is available on a supervised basis once per month. In recent years, improvements have been made to enhance accessibility, particularly with step-free access to the main exhibition areas added in 2018[5].

Governance and Charity Status

The Seaford Museum & Heritage Society operates as a registered charity, ensuring that all activities and funds are utilized for the preservation and promotion of local history. The society does not engage with commercial participators but relies on public support and fundraising efforts to maintain its activities[3][4].

Conclusion

The Seaford Museum & Heritage Society plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing the history of Seaford, offering a unique blend of educational programs and cultural exhibitions to both locals and visitors. Through its commitment to historic preservation, the society continues to enrich the understanding and appreciation of the town's heritage.

[1] https://seafordmuseum.co.uk [2] https://seafordmuseum.co.uk/about-us/the-society/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5052127 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/272864/charity-overview [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaford_Museum