A case for the museum
A Museum for everyone
Our community funded organisation acts as a community hub providing events that celebrate the history, traditions and heritage of Knaresborough and surrounding areas. Our activities include exhibitions, open days, family heritage days, school workshops, talks, guided walks, research groups and oral history projects. Our ethos is inclusive, we aim to provide life-long learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing.
What people say:
“Superb local heritage resource. Delighted to have had the opportunity to visit. Many thanks to all your wonderful staff.”
Knaresborough Museum Association talks
Projects and Research
We have a vibrant programme of projects and research, ranging from Public Health and Social Welfare from Medieval times onwards.
Our current exhibition unlocks the unique and compelling narrative about Knaresborough Forest. It’s a story that began several millennia ago, when vast swathes of forest covered nearly all of Yorkshire, before trees were cut down to make way for farming.
This beautiful exhibition not only tells the story of Knaresborough Forest but also celebrates a newfound optimism that we can restore our natural ancient woodlands for wildlife and for our own wellbeing and that of future generations.
A Heritage Centre Knaresborough can be proud of
Knaresborough Heritage Centre has a flexible gallery space for heritage exhibitions, talks, and workshops; a retail and reception area where visitors can find out about places to visit in Knaresborough, book walks, talks and workshops; and an office for KMA volunteers. For larger events we hire other local venues.
See what is in the Knaresborough Heritage Centre shop.
Our current exhibition ‘Knaresborough Forest, Community & Nature‘ also has a unique Son et Lumière which is an impressive floor to ceiling sound and light projection, showcasing the beauty of our local woodland through the changing seasons, and the historic sites that still remain in Knaresborough Forest. Financial support has been given to this project by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Not only does the exhibition tell the story of Knaresborough Forest but also celebrates a newfound optimism that we can restore our natural ancient woodlands for wildlife and for our own wellbeing and that of future generations.
There is a new Knaresborough Forest guide on sale too at the Heritage Centre. Special thanks go to experts and organisations who have contributed: Keith Wilkinson has campaigned his whole life to save Nidd Gorge Woods from development, the Longlands Common team, ecologist Paul Andrews and woodland owner Alan Stirling.
Entry to the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome especially children who can come and see the wonder of rare wildlife that is on our doorstep. The Heritage Centre is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. Please consider leaving a donation when you visit as we need to raise funds to keep the lights on & pay the rent. As a registered charity run solely by volunteers, we want to keep bringing you exhibitions, talks, walks and workshops to the community.