Shire Hall Museum

28/05/2026

This Saturday, we have not one but TWO events happening! Something for all the family to enjoy. Buy your tickets on the day or book ahead.

26/05/2026

Many thanks to The New Blackmore Vale for running a feature on our 5th June drama & dining fundraising event, ''Justice on Trial'' in their latest issue. (It's on page 22😊)

"BLAZING A TRAIL"
Issue 148 out now! 📰
The latest issue of The New Blackmore Vale is out now!
You can read it here: https://blackmorevale.net/latest-issue/

18/05/2026

🌸✨ MAY SPRING SALE ✨🌸

Enjoy **50% OFF** for the rest of May at our lovely gift shop! (Some exclusions apply - please ask at the front desk).
Every purchase helps us raise vital funds to support the work we do as a social justice museum.

18/05/2026

Today is International Museum Day.
Museums are places where stories are preserved, shared, and re-examined—and here at Shire Hall, those stories are often deeply human.
From the Tolpuddle Martyrs to Elizabeth Martha Brown, the people who passed through these rooms and cells remind us that history is not just about the past—it continues to shape how we understand justice today.
Thank you to everyone who has visited, supported, and shared our work.

13/05/2026

📚 Moonfleet Crimson Tide – Live Storytelling Event
Saturday 30th May | 10:15am – 12:15pm

Join local author Will Adams for a lively and atmospheric family event bringing Moonfleet Crimson Tide to life.

Inspired by tales of smuggling and adventure along the Dorset coast, this immersive session blends storytelling, music, and creativity. Children can also take part in drawing activities, with a chance to win a special prize.

🎟 £5 per child | £3 per accompanying adult
📧 Book via: [email protected]
📞 Or call: 01305 261849
👉 For more information on this event, visit: https://shirehalldorset.org/events/moonfleet-crimson-tide-an-exciting-reimagining-of-a-classic-story/

A fun and imaginative session for ages 8–80.

Join us for a lively and atmospheric family event with local children’s author Will Adams, as he brings his exciting reimagining of his book Moonfleet Crimson Tide to life.

08/05/2026

IT’S THE 1830S AND YOU ARE THE JURY. Immerse yourself in history, brought to life in the courtroom where the trials originally unfolded.
Hear the evidence, decide the verdict, and await the real outcome. This promises to be a great evening of entertainment for friends and family.
Your ticket includes a delicious two-course summer buffet, expertly homemade by our café staff.
A FUNDRAISING EVENT for Shire Hall Museum on Friday 5th June
🎟️ Tickets £30 from museum or online https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/justice-on-trial

07/05/2026

Looking forward to Mark Chutter’s talk ‘Law, Order and Subversion in Hardy’ on Sat 30th May. Have you bought your tickets yet? https://shirehalldorset.org/events/law-order-and-subversion-in-hardy/

A useful At-a-Glance guide to the Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend 2026.

Find out more and book online via the THS website:
https://www.hardysociety.org/oxo/845/thomas-hardy-birthday-weekend-2026/

Discover Dorchester Dorchester, Thomas Hardy Country Dorchester Town Council Shire Hall Museum Dorset Museum & Art Gallery The King's Arms The New Hardy Players The West Dorset Magazine National Trust North and West Dorset KeeP 106

04/05/2026

🎨 Breaking Free: Mixed Media Workshop

Looking to get creative in a unique setting?

Join us on Friday 15th May (10:00am – 12:30pm) for a relaxed and inspiring mixed media workshop led by popular local art tutor, Genevieve Lavers.

What does freedom look like to you?

Sketch in our historic Victorian cells, experiment with collage, acrylics, oil pastels, and even try Chinese brush painting. This workshop is all about creativity, self-expression, and letting go - no experience needed.

🎟 £60 (includes all materials)
📧 Advance booking essential: [email protected]

👉 For more information on our events, visit: https://shirehalldorset.org/whats-on/

A chance to step away from the everyday and try something new.

01/05/2026

Thank you to all of our lovely volunteers and amazing supporters, who love this building and its extraordinary stories - we wouldn’t be here without you. Come and celebrate with us and have fun in the courtroom! Open Mon - Sat from 10am, including BANK HOLIDAYS.

28/04/2026

Watch this space for more details of our immersive fundraising event coming soon