Wigan Museum
@wiganmuseum.bsky.social
Showcasing Wigan Borough through exhibitions, events, and local studies. Operated by wigancouncil.bsky.social. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm. Saturday 10am-2pm.
Pinned
Visitor update:
Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.
Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.
Wishing all our visitors and volunteers a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
The museum is closed until Saturday 21st February but local studies will reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6th January and we look forward to welcoming you back.
The museum is closed until Saturday 21st February but local studies will reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6th January and we look forward to welcoming you back.
December 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Wishing all our visitors and volunteers a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
The museum is closed until Saturday 21st February but local studies will reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6th January and we look forward to welcoming you back.
The museum is closed until Saturday 21st February but local studies will reopen at 10am on Tuesday 6th January and we look forward to welcoming you back.
Our next #Christmas object highlight is the Princess Mary gift box. Presented to British troops at this time of year in 1914 it contained gifts including tobacco, cards, & photographs. Paid for by a public fund backed by Princess Mary, the tins were delivered to WW1 soldiers serving abroad & at sea.
December 17, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Our next #Christmas object highlight is the Princess Mary gift box. Presented to British troops at this time of year in 1914 it contained gifts including tobacco, cards, & photographs. Paid for by a public fund backed by Princess Mary, the tins were delivered to WW1 soldiers serving abroad & at sea.
In the 1950s, children would have loved waking up on Christmas morning to find this under the tree. Still using pre-decimalisation currency, when the cash drawer opened a bell would ring and the drawers would have been filled with toy coins and notes. Do you remember playing shop as a child?
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In the 1950s, children would have loved waking up on Christmas morning to find this under the tree. Still using pre-decimalisation currency, when the cash drawer opened a bell would ring and the drawers would have been filled with toy coins and notes. Do you remember playing shop as a child?
If you’re looking for Christmas presents, why not take inspiration from this wooden building blocks set.
Made in the early 1900s, it contains blocks in a variety of shapes & sizes. It also includes design ideas for different combinations with the box lid featuring building ideas
Made in the early 1900s, it contains blocks in a variety of shapes & sizes. It also includes design ideas for different combinations with the box lid featuring building ideas
December 11, 2025 at 1:09 PM
If you’re looking for Christmas presents, why not take inspiration from this wooden building blocks set.
Made in the early 1900s, it contains blocks in a variety of shapes & sizes. It also includes design ideas for different combinations with the box lid featuring building ideas
Made in the early 1900s, it contains blocks in a variety of shapes & sizes. It also includes design ideas for different combinations with the box lid featuring building ideas
Visitor update:
Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.
Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.
December 11, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Visitor update:
Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.
Wigan Local Studies will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum will remain closed for a little longer as we change the displays, reopening with a new exhibition ‘Wigan’s Voice’ on Saturday 21st February.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more updates.
The latest Past Forward (issue 101) is now on sale - just in time for Christmas!
You can get your copy from the Archives at Leigh Town Hall. They will also be available to purchase from libraries across the borough soon and we will update you when they are available 😍
You can get your copy from the Archives at Leigh Town Hall. They will also be available to purchase from libraries across the borough soon and we will update you when they are available 😍
December 9, 2025 at 12:45 PM
The latest Past Forward (issue 101) is now on sale - just in time for Christmas!
You can get your copy from the Archives at Leigh Town Hall. They will also be available to purchase from libraries across the borough soon and we will update you when they are available 😍
You can get your copy from the Archives at Leigh Town Hall. They will also be available to purchase from libraries across the borough soon and we will update you when they are available 😍
We are inviting applications from local artists for three #freelance commissions as part of 'Wigan’s Voice' - an exciting new exhibition here at the #museum. All the information & how to apply is at the link below.
#ArtJobs #Wigan #LocalArtists
www.theturnpikegallery.org.uk/About-us/Opp...
#ArtJobs #Wigan #LocalArtists
www.theturnpikegallery.org.uk/About-us/Opp...
November 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
We are inviting applications from local artists for three #freelance commissions as part of 'Wigan’s Voice' - an exciting new exhibition here at the #museum. All the information & how to apply is at the link below.
#ArtJobs #Wigan #LocalArtists
www.theturnpikegallery.org.uk/About-us/Opp...
#ArtJobs #Wigan #LocalArtists
www.theturnpikegallery.org.uk/About-us/Opp...
Join our team!
We are looking for a passionate Business Partner to assist with operational delivery within our Culture, Arts and Heritage service.
Deadline: 30 November 2025
Information about the role and how to apply can be found at the link below 👇
apply.greater.jobs/wigan/intern...
We are looking for a passionate Business Partner to assist with operational delivery within our Culture, Arts and Heritage service.
Deadline: 30 November 2025
Information about the role and how to apply can be found at the link below 👇
apply.greater.jobs/wigan/intern...
November 14, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Join our team!
We are looking for a passionate Business Partner to assist with operational delivery within our Culture, Arts and Heritage service.
Deadline: 30 November 2025
Information about the role and how to apply can be found at the link below 👇
apply.greater.jobs/wigan/intern...
We are looking for a passionate Business Partner to assist with operational delivery within our Culture, Arts and Heritage service.
Deadline: 30 November 2025
Information about the role and how to apply can be found at the link below 👇
apply.greater.jobs/wigan/intern...
While you are unable to see our wonderful objects up close during our temporary closure, you can view some highlights from our collection online 😍
You can find objects from Ancient #Egypt, #Roman #Wigan, and more!
archives.wigan.gov.uk/archive/high...
You can find objects from Ancient #Egypt, #Roman #Wigan, and more!
archives.wigan.gov.uk/archive/high...
Highlights from the Wigan Museums Collection - Wigan Archives
archives.wigan.gov.uk
November 12, 2025 at 11:47 AM
While you are unable to see our wonderful objects up close during our temporary closure, you can view some highlights from our collection online 😍
You can find objects from Ancient #Egypt, #Roman #Wigan, and more!
archives.wigan.gov.uk/archive/high...
You can find objects from Ancient #Egypt, #Roman #Wigan, and more!
archives.wigan.gov.uk/archive/high...
Visitor notice:
The museum and local studies is now closed until the new year for essential maintenance and exhibition changeover. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!
The museum and local studies is now closed until the new year for essential maintenance and exhibition changeover. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!
November 3, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Visitor notice:
The museum and local studies is now closed until the new year for essential maintenance and exhibition changeover. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!
The museum and local studies is now closed until the new year for essential maintenance and exhibition changeover. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!
As the clocks go back tonight we thought we would share this wonderful double dial mill clock, made in the 1840’s by Henry Lawson of Hindley. Beautifully painted, can you notice anything different about the top dial?
October 25, 2025 at 7:10 AM
As the clocks go back tonight we thought we would share this wonderful double dial mill clock, made in the 1840’s by Henry Lawson of Hindley. Beautifully painted, can you notice anything different about the top dial?
As part of #BHM David Yeates tells his personal story of family and identity that spans from #Wigan to America with links to Dr Martin Luther King.
🗓️ Sat 25 October
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink
Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midday-pla...
🗓️ Sat 25 October
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink
Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midday-pla...
Midday Plane to Georgia by David Yeates
A personal story of family and identity that spans Wigan to America with links to Dr Martin Luther King.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 7:16 AM
As part of #BHM David Yeates tells his personal story of family and identity that spans from #Wigan to America with links to Dr Martin Luther King.
🗓️ Sat 25 October
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink
Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midday-pla...
🗓️ Sat 25 October
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink
Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midday-pla...
#OnThisDay 1914, a meteorite fell on Appley Bridge near #Wigan. Here Russell Parry tells us all about it and the confusion it caused at the time.
youtu.be/v4jMuwNIR8U?...
youtu.be/v4jMuwNIR8U?...
The story of the Appley Bridge Meteorite
YouTube video by Archives: Wigan & Leigh
youtu.be
October 13, 2025 at 7:52 AM
#OnThisDay 1914, a meteorite fell on Appley Bridge near #Wigan. Here Russell Parry tells us all about it and the confusion it caused at the time.
youtu.be/v4jMuwNIR8U?...
youtu.be/v4jMuwNIR8U?...
Reposted by Wigan Museum
Here’s a bit more #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Here’s a bit more #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social
Reposted by Wigan Museum
Here’s a bit of #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Here’s a bit of #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social
Today’s #OnThisDay #ObjectHighlight is this 1909 poster for a Grand Carnival at Central Park, #Wigan in aid of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. Donated by Paggett's painters and decorators, it had been used as a drawer lining and hidden for many years. What a fabulous find!
October 9, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Today’s #OnThisDay #ObjectHighlight is this 1909 poster for a Grand Carnival at Central Park, #Wigan in aid of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. Donated by Paggett's painters and decorators, it had been used as a drawer lining and hidden for many years. What a fabulous find!
Ever wanted to find out what happened locally in the English Civil War? This talk by David Casserly will include the Bolton Massacre, the siege of Lathom House, & the Battle of Wigan Lane.
🗓️ Sat 11 Oct
⌚ 11am-1:15pm
💷 Free
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/civil-war-...
🗓️ Sat 11 Oct
⌚ 11am-1:15pm
💷 Free
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/civil-war-...
Civil War in Lancashire, a talk by David Casserly
An in-depth talk spotlighting the local area and its links to the Civil War.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Ever wanted to find out what happened locally in the English Civil War? This talk by David Casserly will include the Bolton Massacre, the siege of Lathom House, & the Battle of Wigan Lane.
🗓️ Sat 11 Oct
⌚ 11am-1:15pm
💷 Free
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/civil-war-...
🗓️ Sat 11 Oct
⌚ 11am-1:15pm
💷 Free
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/civil-war-...
Sean Jinks looks at the role that Wigan has played in the success of Coronation Street. From the first "wild child", the scriptwriter from Standish, to when the stars came to visit the town.
🗓️ Sat 18 Oct
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50
Book via link or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigan-corr...
🗓️ Sat 18 Oct
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50
Book via link or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigan-corr...
Wigan & Corrie by Sean Jinks
Come and find out how Wigan is linked to the nations favourite soap.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Sean Jinks looks at the role that Wigan has played in the success of Coronation Street. From the first "wild child", the scriptwriter from Standish, to when the stars came to visit the town.
🗓️ Sat 18 Oct
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50
Book via link or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigan-corr...
🗓️ Sat 18 Oct
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50
Book via link or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigan-corr...
#OnThisDay #Wigan Casino held its first #NorthernSoul all-nighter. The nights ran from 1973-1981 & soul lovers from all corners of the UK would travel to dance the night away. Did you go to the Casino? Who was your favourite DJ? What was your favourite record?
We would love to hear your memories 😍
We would love to hear your memories 😍
September 23, 2025 at 8:37 AM
#OnThisDay #Wigan Casino held its first #NorthernSoul all-nighter. The nights ran from 1973-1981 & soul lovers from all corners of the UK would travel to dance the night away. Did you go to the Casino? Who was your favourite DJ? What was your favourite record?
We would love to hear your memories 😍
We would love to hear your memories 😍
Reposted by Wigan Museum
Tomorrow, all welcome.
Inspired by his book 'Made in Manchester' join Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social for an in-depth look at the history of the towns & cities that make up Wigan & Greater Manchester.
🗓️ Sat 20 Sept
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink
Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-ma...
🗓️ Sat 20 Sept
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink
Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-ma...
September 19, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Tomorrow, all welcome.
Intrigued by Wigan's rebellious past? The Standish family were one of the most prominent Catholic families in the area & this talk looks at their support for the Jacobites.
🗓️ Wed 24 Sept
⌚ 10am-12pm
💷 Free
Book via link below or ring 01942828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-standi...
🗓️ Wed 24 Sept
⌚ 10am-12pm
💷 Free
Book via link below or ring 01942828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-standi...
The Standish Family of Standish and Borwick, rebels to activists 1688-1788
A look at one of our most prominent local families and their Jacobite connections.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Intrigued by Wigan's rebellious past? The Standish family were one of the most prominent Catholic families in the area & this talk looks at their support for the Jacobites.
🗓️ Wed 24 Sept
⌚ 10am-12pm
💷 Free
Book via link below or ring 01942828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-standi...
🗓️ Wed 24 Sept
⌚ 10am-12pm
💷 Free
Book via link below or ring 01942828128.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-standi...
Today's #ObjectHighlight is from our current 'What's in Store' exhibition. This charming elephant has been hand knitted by the donor of the toy, Margaret Kay, along with her mother using a Family Circle magazine pattern. Do you still have a favourite teddy or toy that you cherish?
September 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Today's #ObjectHighlight is from our current 'What's in Store' exhibition. This charming elephant has been hand knitted by the donor of the toy, Margaret Kay, along with her mother using a Family Circle magazine pattern. Do you still have a favourite teddy or toy that you cherish?
There are so many amazing #HeritageOpenDays events happening across #Wigan borough including walks, behind the scenes access to churches, mills & historic houses, as well as tours of the #archives & #museum. Find out all you need to know at the link below 👇
www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...
www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...
September 4, 2025 at 11:50 AM
There are so many amazing #HeritageOpenDays events happening across #Wigan borough including walks, behind the scenes access to churches, mills & historic houses, as well as tours of the #archives & #museum. Find out all you need to know at the link below 👇
www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...
www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...
Fascinated by Ancient #Egypt? Join Prof. Joann Fletcher for a look at how gold & precious stones were processed to serve multiple uses, one of which is reflected in our stunning 18th dynasty gilded coffin face.
Sat 4 Oct
3-4pm
£5
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mining-in-...
Sat 4 Oct
3-4pm
£5
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mining-in-...
September 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Fascinated by Ancient #Egypt? Join Prof. Joann Fletcher for a look at how gold & precious stones were processed to serve multiple uses, one of which is reflected in our stunning 18th dynasty gilded coffin face.
Sat 4 Oct
3-4pm
£5
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mining-in-...
Sat 4 Oct
3-4pm
£5
Book via link or 01942 828128
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mining-in-...
To celebrate #LetterWritingDay, here is a poignant painting of a young lady reading a letter she has been sent. Painted in 1886 by John Seymour and titled 'The Love Letter', we have always wondered what the letter contained. We would love to hear if you have memories of receiving or writing letters.
September 1, 2025 at 9:40 AM
To celebrate #LetterWritingDay, here is a poignant painting of a young lady reading a letter she has been sent. Painted in 1886 by John Seymour and titled 'The Love Letter', we have always wondered what the letter contained. We would love to hear if you have memories of receiving or writing letters.