Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum & Bookshop

01/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week – an annual UK-wide campaign held each June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and the Guildhall Old Prison Cells wouldn’t be the same without our amazing volunteers. Thank you for giving your time, expertise and passion!

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

We have some exciting events coming up this summer at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Please visit our website to find out more and to book tickets! samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
Wednesday 1 July - Murder Most Foul: Poisoners, Body Snatchers and Killer Servants. Sheelagh James uncovers the dark deeds of poisoners, body snatchers and killer servants, revealing the grim ends that awaited those who strayed beyond the law. 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Tickets cost £12 per person. Pre-booking is essential.
Saturday 4 July - Samuel Johnson’s Lichfield – A Walking Tour
Discover Samuel Johnson’s Lichfield with a guided walking tour around the city. 2pm - 3:30pm. Tickets cost £6 per person. Pre-booking is essential.
Wednesday 15 July - How to Dress a Georgian Woman
Join British fashion designer, Gemma Thompson, for a fascinating talk on women’s clothing in the 1700s. This talk is accompanied by Gemma dressing as a Georgian Woman, demonstrating the many layers & garments worn. 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Tickets cost £12 per person. Pre-booking is essential.
23, 30 July & 6, 8, 13, 20, 27 August – Summer Family Craft Activity
Join us between 11:00am & 1:00pm for a hands-on family craft activity. £2 per child, accompanying adults free. Drop-in, no booking required.
Thursday 30 July - Collage Workshop with Hazel Pitt
Join us for a fun and relaxing evening of collaging. No experience needed. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring any images that resonate with you. 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm. Tickets cost £35.00 per person. Pre-boking is essential. This event is for adults.
Wednesday 5 August - Romanising Britain
In this lecture, Rik Sowden will examine events of Rome and Britain in the first centuries BCE and CE, the invasions of Julius Caesar and Claudius, and the Boudican revolt which followed. 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Tickets cost £12.00 per person. Pre-booking is essential.

28/05/2026

Join us today for our family craft activity at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum!

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

This week we want to know:
Which is your favourite room and why in the Museum?
Let us know in the comments below!

18/05/2026

Today is International Museum Day!
Museums are more than spaces of preservation—they are trusted public spaces where people encounter stories, objects, and one another.
To celebrate, why not come and visit the family home of one of Staffordshire’s most famous writers, Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), in the historic city of Lichfield. Best known as the author of A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), Dr Samuel Johnson was also a playwright, poet, journalist, editor, critic, and biographer.
He is one of the most quoted people in the history of the English language and remains one of the greatest literary figures of all time.
Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in this atmospheric trader’s townhouse, now a museum with a stunning collection of Johnson treasures.
Visitors can explore five floors that tell the story of Johnson’s life from childhood to national celebrity. See Johnson’s famous English dictionary, try hands-on activities, enjoy historical dress-up, and take part in our family trails.
We are open daily, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. The Museum is free to visit, donations are welcome.