Thank you for taking interest in events at the Museum and Mill! Using menu on the left, find out what’s going on each month.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
Please contact us for more information.
Bring your finds along for Ciorstaidh Hayward-Trevarthen and Claire Pinder to identify as they make a welcome return to the museum.
By appointment only 10am-12pm, contact [email protected].
12.00 – 13.00pm drop in session, all welcome.
Thursday 29th January 2026
On January 29th, 2025 in The Museum.A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
Wednesday 18th February
AGM at 7.00pm in The Exchange
Followed by a talk about river tales and local history by Mary van Collen at 7.30pm
“Explore our beautiful county, hear tales of historical events, find out about the meanings of place names. A journey of discovery for those who love Dorset.”
£5 on the door (£4 for members)
On February 18, 2026, 7:00pm in The Exchange.A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
Talk by Anne Brown
Wednesday 18th March, entry £4
7.30pm in Bow Room, The Exchange
Hot and cold drinks available at the bar
On March 18, 2025, 7:30 pm in The Exchange.A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
Talk by Elizabeth Bletsoe.
Wednesday 20th May, entry £4
7.30pm in Bow Room, The Exchange
Hot and cold drinks available at the bar
On May 20, 2025, 7:30 pm in The Mill.A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
13th and 14th June.
On June 13, 2026 in The Mill.CANCELLED Talk by Jacqui Wragg : Beyond market day.
Wednesday 24th June, entry £4.
7.30pm in Bow Room, The Exchange.
Hot and cold drinks available at the bar
On June 24, 2026, 7:30 pm in The Exchange.A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
3rd June
On August 3, 2026 in The Mill.A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
On September 21, 2025 in The Mill.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
A new display at the Museum summarises the history of Sturminster Newton from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Go back in time and relive the early days of telephones, vacuum cleaners, lighting and hairdressing. Come in for a trip down memory lane.
This is a highly-accurate model of the station and environs displaying the context of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line, which closed in 1966, to the cattle market and milk factory; of which virtually all traces have now disappeared. The layout is fully interactive with trains running, sounds playing, signals moving and a lighting change to a night sequence; all driven by push buttons that children and adults alike can play with. In addition, visitors can press to see a varying display of old pictures of the area compared to modern photographs of the same locations whilst the actual place on the model will be highlighted so they can see where it all fits together. Thanks to a dedicated team, our model railway has been rebuilt and upgraded with digital controls allowing visitors to vary sound, lighting and train movement.
This exhibition tells the story of young men in the early nineteenth century who took opportunities offered by the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland to leave the poverty at home in Sturminster Newton and start a new life.. “Swanskin” was a thick felted woollen cloth produced in Dorset and the south west and traded for use by fishermen. The exhibition showcases the results of a joint project with pupils at the High School and collaboration with schools and museums in Newfoundland, funded by the Association of Independent Museums.
Candle lit carol service with Rev. Seymour.
On 20th December, at 6:30pm in The Mill.Display of crested ceramic souvenirs of Sturminster Newton, popular in early 20th century.
Examples of children’s shoes found hidden in a local thatched roof and a short history.
A look at the role played by the police and the station in the town from mid-19th century.
Display of objects found in Sturminster Newton and surrounding areas.
A look at cottage industries in Sturminster and surrounding villages.
Please contact us for more information.
Finds Day with Corstaidh Trevarthan, Finds Liaison Officer and archaeologist Claire Ponder. Please find along anything you would like identified.
On 25th January, at 10:30am to 1:00pm in The Museum.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
“The Great Western Railway” is a talk by Tim Cooling.
On 7th February, at 7:30pm in The Exchange.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
“Memories and Images from POW camp recorded by a former Sturminster resident, Tom Guttridge” presented by his son Roger Guttridge.
On 7th March, in The Exchange.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Who were they? Were they as fierce as we are led to believe? Howard Nicols returns to give us another entertaining talk.
On 3rd April, at 7:30pm in The Exchange.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Verwood Pottery - Dan Carter
On 4th May, at 7:30pm in The Exchange.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Mrs Harper will explain the history of buttons and display her collection, many found during metal detecting sessions. She is also willing to identify any unusual buttons bought along by the audience.
On 6th June, at 7:30pm in The Exchange.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Title to be confirmed
Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
During a recent excavation, it was discovered this complex contains at least 7 henge monuments, over 170 round barrows and ditches and a remarkable early Beaker period burial. Speaker Dr Martin Green guides us through the discoveries.
On 5th October, at 7:30pm in The Exchange.Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.
Including generously loaned artefacts and costumes from a local collector.
The Manor House on the hill, once owned by Katherine Parr, that played such an important role in the history of Sturminster.
A display of domestic items from the collection in the museum.
Please contact us for more information.