We're still collecting donations
On the 17th June 2020 we'd raised £7,545 with 157 supporters in 41 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Support WELLS & MENDIP MUSEUM during the lockdown
Project by Joe White
Total raised £9,060
raised so far+ est. £1651.75
170
supportersWells and Mendip Museum urgently needs your support during the lockdown. Please help us through this coronavirus crisis.
New stretch target
We are so excited to have exceeded our £6,000 goal and the future of the museum is looking brighter. Any additional funds raised will be invaluable for putting in place the systems necessary for the museum to reopen.
Plans are already being made for how social distancing and other COVID-19 protection measures might operate. Money we raise above our additional target will help to purchase the equipment needed to do so, from protection for volunteers and visitors to additional hygiene supplies. Extra funds will also give a much-needed buffer should the current lockdown continue longer than expected, or indeed a second lockdown be necessary.
Everyone involved with the museum would like to thank you for all your support, and it has been a huge boost to be able to read so many kind comments.
Many thanks,
The Museum Team
Several weeks ago Wells & Mendip Museum closed its doors as a result of this unprecedented lockdown. Sadly the museum’s busy schedule of exhibitions, local community groups and talks had to be cancelled, and the collections and archives were closed to visitors.
The museum’s survival is now threatened.
Wells & Mendip Museum is an independent self-funded charity. Unlike many museums we are not funded by local government, relying instead on donations, tickets, venue hire and shop sales.
Why We Need Your Help
With the loss of all room bookings, tickets and shop sales, our income has dropped significantly. We have taken steps to dramatically reduce outgoings, but it still costs £500 a week to look after the collections and historic listed building.
The museum is an important community hub. Groups of all ages, from U3A to the Young Archaeologists’ Club, meet at the museum. Local artists exhibit there. Long-standing societies, such as the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society, hold talks there. The walled garden offers a relaxing space for garden parties and fairs.
About Us
Our collections contain material of national significance and are a vital resource for researchers across many disciplines. Our library is invaluable for local and family history research. The Wells City Archives, housed at the museum, are a unique repository of historic documents and maps from Wells and beyond.
The museum is kept going thanks to the dedication of over 50 volunteers, from curatorial and library to front-of-house and maintenance. With exciting development plans in the pipeline, this is a critical time for the museum.
We desperately need your help to get through the COVID-19 crisis.
Please donate whatever you can. All money raised through Crowdfunder will go to the museum.
Many thanks,
The Museum Team
This atmospheric photo is one of the many fascinating items in the museum collections. It was taken in Wells marketplace on VE Day, 1945, by local photographer Bert Phillips. The girls are the pupils of St Brandon's School who were evacuated to the Bishop's Palace during the war. St Brandon's was a school for the daughters of clergy which is why the palace was chosen. With your help we can continue to care for our important collections.
We ask project owners to honour their rewards wherever possible but please note that all pledges are donations and there is no guarantee that you will receive any rewards from the project owner. Please see Crowdfunder's Terms of Use for more information regarding rewards for pledges.
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This project offered rewards
£100 or more
Individual Lifetime Membership
For anyone pledging £100 or more we would like to offer a lifetime Friends of the Museum membership. This gives lifetime museum entry for one person, including free entry to paid exhibitions, invitations to selected previews and openings of museum exhibitions, free entry to Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society lectures, 10% discount on museum shop purchases, and a regular email newsletter.
£150 or more
Family Lifetime Membership
Those pledging £150 or more will receive a family lifetime Friends of the Museum membership. This gives all the benefits of membership for 2 adults and 3 children under 16 years: free entry to paid exhibitions, invitations to selected previews and openings of museum exhibitions, free use of the museum library for research, free entry to Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society lectures, 10% discount on shop purchases, and a newsletter.