Dumfries Museum

15/10/2026

This photograph shows women involved in glove manufacturing in Dumfries. One of these work benches was donated to the museum when the factory closed. The object and photos of it in use are on display in Dumfries Museum. A legacy of the town's textile history.
Visit to find out more, open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10-4 (plus bonus day this Monday 19th October for the school hols!)

14/10/2026

As Halloween approaches, we thought this was a good time to share a record with you of magic and counter magic recorded by Dr Werner Kissling. We found it among his notes and the example of the use of holed stones in magical practice may come from Dumfries and Galloway. We've also included some examples of such stones from the museum collection (we share them with visitors during Waking the Witch with Mostly Ghostly Tours).

Transcription of Kissling's handwritten note:

Protective charm hanging in the byre
Holed stones known as ‘ring stones’ to protect the cows from the evil eye?
‘Blessings on all that I can see’ was the formula to use when one entered a byre. An ill-disposed person could, merely by looking at it, ‘blink’ a cow so that its milk would yield no butter. The cow could be cured by burning under its nose a portion of the blinkers’ clothes and a handful of thatch taken from above the door of his house.

Mr. Jcar (?) written in margin

Stone was suspended on a string through a natural hole.
in smithy to keep horse quiet (different coloured pen)

Note the large ? in the margin on the left.

With thanks to our volunteer Katie for this transcription.

Find out more about Kissling's fascinating life by visiting Dumfries Museum to see our new display about of his objects. You can also find out about him here: https://www.futuremuseum.co.uk/collections/people/key-people/collectors-explorers/dr-werner-kissling

14/10/2026

Fabulous drumming yesterday in Dumfries Museum! Event organised as part of our 'Objects from Africa' exhibition.

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

A great day of drumming and crafts at Dumfries Museum today! We love it when we're busy and buzzing.
Missed it? Our next activities are Astronomy Night on Saturday 17th October 5-8pm and Crafts! Crafts! Crafts! Tuesday 20th October 10-3pm.
All free, everyone welcome, no need to book - drop in anytime!

12/10/2026

Have a go at African Drumming tomorrow October 13th 11-12, 1-2
Free, no need to book,suitable for all ages, no experience required
Crafts also available 10-3
Dumfries Museum open, see the new Objects from Africa exhibition, complete new trails, visit the museum 10-4.

11/10/2026

Dumfries Museum is open tomorrow (October 12th) 10-4. We're usually closed on Mondays but we're adding extra opening hours for the school holidays. You can also visit on Monday 19th October 10-4.
There's a new exhibition to experience as well as 3 new trails.
We're free to visit and you can also experience the Camera Obscura as an added extra (and for a small charge and weather permitting).
A great day out on your doorstep.

10/10/2026

A great day of canine crafts at Dumfries Museum. Great to be involved in again this year! Our display of Dogs in Art continues...do pop in to see it soon!

09/10/2026

Astronomy at Dumfries Museum aka The Observatory - tomorrow and next Saturday.
10th October
17th October
5-8
Talks, tours and a whole museum to explore inside.
Weather permitting - telescopes, binoculaurs and knowledgeable people outside.
Teas, coffees, biscuits - donations welcome.
Free, no need to book, drop in anytime, suitable for all ages.
South of Scotland Destination Alliance

07/10/2026

Dogs in art and crafts coming soon to Dumfries Museum!
Saturday October 10th
10-3
Drop in anytime, suitable for all ages, everyone welcome, free to take part, no need to book. Organised as part of