Museums in Hertfordshire are lively, welcoming spaces that offer far more than exhibitions. They serve as centres of learning, creativity and community, providing a wide range of services to the public.
Exhibitions and displays – visitors can explore permanent and temporary displays covering art, history, science and local heritage. Some exhibitions are available to borrow or hire, making them accessible beyond the museum walls.
Educational programmes are a key part of what museums offer, including workshops, talks, school visits and hands-on activities suitable for all ages. For those undertaking academic or personal research, access to archives and stored collections is often available by arrangement.
Tours – many museums also run guided tours, led by knowledgeable staff or volunteers, which help deepen understanding of the collections and their stories.
Talks and performances – museums also play an important role in cultural and community life. They host public events such as talks, performances, film screenings and festivals that celebrate local heritage and creativity.
Community outreach work is common, with museums partnering with schools, community groups and underrepresented audiences to promote inclusion and engagement. Some museums offer reminiscence and handling boxes – collections of objects from different periods that can be borrowed for a small fee, often used in care settings or community workshops.
Specialist services
In addition to their public programmes, many museums in Hertfordshire offer specialist services such as conservation and digitisation. Some are able to repair or restore historic items and documents – enquiries should be made by email, ideally with photographs of the item in question.
Object identification is also available at many sites, but visitors are asked not to bring items in without prior arrangement.
Digital services are increasingly part of the museum offer. These include virtual exhibitions, downloadable educational resources, and engaging content shared via social media and websites. Several museums also provide digitisation services for photographs and documents – again, it’s best to contact them directly to discuss what’s possible.
The impact of museums goes well beyond their collections. They contribute to local tourism and support nearby businesses, while offering safe and inclusive public spaces for reflection, conversation and learning. As custodians of cultural heritage, museums help preserve important stories and objects for future generations.
Whether you’re new to museums and curious, a regular visitor, keen researcher or simply looking for a thoughtful way to spend an afternoon, Hertfordshire’s museums have something to offer. If you’d like help finding a museum near you that provides a particular service or experience, feel free to get in touch at hertsmuseums@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Volunteering is another way you might be interested in getting involved, with opportunities to contribute, learn new skills and meet others.