MUSEUM MATTERS
Your Patrons’ Magazine
What Whispers in the Winds?
The answer is delightfully straightforward—abundantly so!
Since the blossoming of April, we have diligently enriched the Museum's collection and its captivating displays. The responses we garner from the public are glowing, and this affirmation holds great significance for us. It reassures us that our exhibits resonate and the knowledge shared is embraced.
Once more, this summer, we proudly participated in the Canterbury City Council Medieval Pageant. We are thrilled to announce that our visitor count soared to over 600 on that memorable day, setting a new record for our establishment!
Last December, we unveiled our inaugural Festive Family Fun Day, a venture that proved to be an immediate triumph. As we set our sights on the next edition this December, we shall soon unveil the date for all to anticipate.
Mark Costelloe, our esteemed APGM, alongside our Chairman, were graciously invited by Maidstone Museum to present a talk on Freemasonry to the ‘Friends of Maidstone Museum Society.’ This marked a significant first for the Province, and the evening's feedback was nothing short of excellent.
The Museum recently welcomed a delightful family group bearing the name Akehurst. This inquisitive clan has been traversing the globe, unearthing the tales of their ancestry, and with some of their forebears being Freemasons, they were eager to delve deeper into their rich heritage.
We were thrilled to assist them with various masonic historical artifacts, but their joy soared upon discovering our Library collection. They unearthed the names of other family members dating back to the 1300s—revelations that illuminated paths previously unknown—and were able to amend some of the details they had already gathered. Plans for a return visit are already blossoming!
At the Museum & Library, new discoveries await us regularly. Just the other week, we stumbled upon a meticulously crafted family tree of the Mackleden family from Kent, tracing their lineage back to the early 1800s. This treasure trove was adorned with copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates that formed the foundation of the family tree.
If you carry the name Mackelden and seek to unveil the story of your lineage, we invite you to reach out to us.
Unveiling a New Exhibition
In light of our abundant exhibits and limited space, we have conjured a temporary exhibition area within the Museum.
We commenced this initiative with a tribute to the esteemed Lord Cornwallis, a display that graced our halls for several moons. With the recent honour of a Blue Plaque celebrating his legacy, this exhibition has now been gently stored away.
In its place, we unveil a captivating exhibition dedicated to the Royal Arch, accompanied by an intriguing map of the Holy Lands, illustrating the twelve Tribes of Israel. This remarkable map, sourced from a book first published in 1744, resides in our Library, serving as a profound explanation of the Holy Bible. This illustrious book is a treasure, containing elements that resonate with the rituals we hold dear today!
The Royal Arch Chapter exhibition will enchant visitors for the next three months. It is truly a ‘must see.’ We invite you to embark on this journey and pay us a visit!
A Tapestry of Diversity
The essence of diversity within a museum is beautifully articulated as follows:
Embracing the public with open arms, museums stand as bastions of accessibility and inclusivity, nurturing both diversity and sustainability. They engage with communities, operating with ethical integrity and professional grace, while offering a rich tapestry of experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection, and the sharing of knowledge.
What does this signify for us? Over the past three years, the whispers of the public have unveiled some surprising truths:
We believed you were merely a gathering of crusty old men, but the reality proves otherwise!
We thought you operated in secrecy, yet you shine with transparency! We assumed women were excluded, but your welcoming arms embrace all!
So, how have we transformed the public's perception? With open hearts, we have forged a path of honesty. We have welcomed volunteers from both orders of Women Freemasons, appointed three remarkable women to our Board of Trustees—including a member from the public. Our quest for inclusivity continues as we seek young volunteers, enhance accessibility for wheelchair users, and engage in dialogues with the Kent Association for the Blind to unveil further improvements. These evolving changes have cast a radiant glow upon our approach, making a profound impact.
Engaging the Heart of the Community
Community engagement for the Museum & Library unfolds as a harmonious collaboration with groups bound by geographic closeness, shared interests, or similar circumstances. This process weaves together partnerships, coalitions, and strategic frameworks to manifest meaningful outcomes for both our entity and the community we cherish.
A shining example of this endeavour is the newly established Church Bursary Fund, a collaboration with the History Department of the University of Kent and the Kent Scouts, serving the vibrant West Kent region.
This esteemed award pays tribute to Dr Church, a Freemason, devoted physician, and passionate collector of Kentish history, genealogy, and heraldry.
Dr Church devoted his life to the noble art of healing, significantly enhancing the lives of innumerable patients as a GP. Yet, it was his fervent exploration of Kent's storied past that truly ignited his spirit. Through meticulous gathering, he curated an extraordinary library on these subjects, which he graciously gifted to the Kent Museum of Freemasonry.
The Bursary was inspired by Peter Hazlewood, a trustee and Development Manager at the Museum and is generously supported by the Provinces of East and West Kent, along with the Museum itself.
The Bursary seeks to uplift young individuals; in East Kent, it will aid students embarking on their academic journeys at the University of Kent, while in West Kent, it will assist families in acquiring Scout uniforms and funding attendance at Scout camps.
The Bursary garnered significant attention, eventually capturing the hearts of the Church family. In a heartfelt response, Bill Church, the son of Dr Teddy Church, reached out to Peter Hazlewood at the Museum to convey the family's profound joy at the inception of the Bursary, honouring their beloved late father. Their delight was so immense that the family graciously bestowed a generous donation to secure the Bursary's legacy for many years ahead.
To this day, Peter Hazlewood and Bill Church maintain a steadfast weekly connection.
The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Canterbury
The Annual Gathering of Minds
In the spirit of adventure, we embraced the winds of change, opting for a fresh experience amid the rising tides of living costs. Thus, our Annual General Meeting found its way to the Umbrella Centre, a stone's throw from the Museum. Canterbury Umbrella stands as a vibrant Community Hub, a sanctuary where souls gather to unwind, forge friendships, and seek solace from their dedicated staff, volunteers, and fellow members.
Our esteemed guests of honour, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury and the Lady Mayoress, graced us with their presence. After the formalities of the day, we were enchanted by a captivating discourse from our distinguished visitors, who shared insights into their civic responsibilities, the charities they champion, and the significance of having both a Lord Mayor and a Lady Mayoress. This dialogue sparked a flurry of intriguing questions from our members, leading to a delightful buffet where laughter and camaraderie flowed, allowing all to mingle and savour each other's company.
The Canterbury Expo Awaits
The Canterbury Society’s Heritage ‘EXPO’ in November is set to illuminate the vibrant tapestry of organizations and enterprises within the Canterbury District that thrive in the Heritage sectors. This gathering seeks to unveil a myriad of volunteering, employment, apprenticeship, and training opportunities available to both residents and students.
For the first time, the heritage sectors of Canterbury will unite under one roof, showcasing their endeavors and the treasures they offer to all who seek them. We are thrilled to share that the Museum & Library has received a gracious invitation to host a stand at the Expo, an opportunity we eagerly embrace. This endeavor aligns beautifully with our community engagement aspirations, enhancing our presence in the illustrious UNESCO World Heritage city of Canterbury.
MacMillan's Enchanted Coffee Morning
In the heart warming spirit of community engagement, donations from countless Coffee Mornings, both grand and humble, weave together vital resources to uplift the 3 million souls in the UK navigating the cancer journey—from the moment of diagnosis, through the trials of treatment, and beyond.
This past September, the Museum and Library celebrated its second Coffee Morning in honour of MacMillan Cancer, enchanting visitors with a total of £100 raised. Visitors revelled in the delightful experience of savouring a slice of cake and a warm cup of coffee as a sweet conclusion to their museum adventure.
Visitors to the Museum expressed joy at the noble endeavour, embracing the initiative as a testament to the Museum's commitment to meaningful causes.
The Coffee Morning stands as MacMillan’s most significant fundraising celebration, uniting millions across the UK in joyous camaraderie since 1990, all to support those living with the challenges of cancer while fostering a sense of togetherness for a worthy cause.
Celebrating Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England's grandest festival celebrating the tapestry of history and culture, woven together by the dedication of countless local volunteers and organizations. Each September, this vibrant occasion unites souls to honour their heritage, community, and the rich annals of history. Tales unfold, traditions are cherished, and past eras spring to life. It’s a splendid opportunity to uncover hidden gems and embark on captivating experiences – all at no cost.
Naturally, this magical event is not to be overlooked by the Museum & Library. We flung open our doors, offering special guided tours of both the Museum and the Library, alongside illuminating talks on the intriguing facets of Freemasonry.
In collaboration with the Canterbury Masonic Centre next door, we also welcomed visitors into the enchanting Lodge room, a perennial favourite among visitors. It fills my heart with joy when we share the tales of Freemasonry's history. The audience listens with rapt attention, their faces lighting up with delight and surprise as they exclaim, "I never knew!" This is precisely why we passionately partake in the Heritage Open Days.
A Message from the Chairman
From the depths of our hearts, the team at the Museum & Library extends a sincere thank you to all our cherished Patrons. Your unwavering support is the very lifeblood of our existence.
The Museum stands as a vibrant showcase of Freemasonry in Kent, and while we do not directly seek new members, we often receive inquiries from both men and women intrigued by the prospect of joining our ranks.
So, what is our role in this journey? We gather their information and pass it along to the appropriate Provincial recruitment teams.
I eagerly anticipate your continued patronage and warmly invite you to explore the Museum and Library, which transforms each week. When you grace us with your visit, donning your Patron badge will grant you a complimentary cup of coffee or tea, along with an exclusive tour of the Library, still hidden from the public eye.
