Stewartry Museum
Museum | Kirkcudbright | Scotland | United Kingdom
The Stewartry Museum in Kirkcudbright is a long-established museum, founded in 1879, dedicated to the history of the Stewartry region, also known as Kirkcudbrightshire. The collection includes a variety of exhibits illustrating the human and natural history of the area.
Collections and Exhibitions:
Archaeological finds: The museum houses significant archaeological artifacts, including Mesolithic and Neolithic stone tools, arrowheads, and axes. Notable finds from the Early Medieval and Viking periods include weapons and jewelry.
Social history: Another focus is on the social history of the region, with exhibits on folklore, traditional crafts, and rural life. This includes agricultural tools and everyday objects from the past.
Art collection: The museum has an impressive collection of artworks, including paintings and sculptures by local artists like Jessie M. King. These works reflect the artistic development of the region.
Photographic archives: An extensive photographic archive documents the life and landscapes of the Stewartry over the years. Visitors can view historical photographs providing insight into the region's past.
Special exhibits:
Siller Gun: An outstanding exhibit is the Siller Gun, the oldest surviving sports trophy in Great Britain. This silver cup was donated in 1600 and is a significant testament to the region's history.
Little Ross lighthouse lens: Since 2015, the museum has displayed a historical lighthouse lens from Little Ross, manufactured in Paris in 1896. This lens was used in the lighthouse until 1960 and is a rare technical artifact.
Educational offerings:
The Stewartry Museum offers a diverse program with temporary exhibitions and special events that keep the cultural heritage of the region alive. For children, there are interactive tours and activities to make learning fun and engaging.
Therefore, the Stewartry Museum is a significant cultural destination that provides a deep insight into the history and culture of the Stewartry region, appealing to both locals and visitors.
