People from across East Dorset have visited the museum, which was previously known as the Priest’s House Museum, since it reopened on 26 October 2020.

The £1.8 million revival project for the museum and its information centre was supported by a National Lottery grant. The official launch event was attended by

mayor of Wimborne Cllr Shane Bartlett, town crier Chris Brown, and MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Michael Tomlinson, who were given a tour of the improved facilities and exhibition spaces by museum director, James Webb.

Visitors have been able to explore some of the newly uncovered history of the building and take in the exhibitions, curated from an extensive collection of some 35,000 historical objects relating to East Dorset’s history.

To mark the relaunch, new exhibitions have been set up at the museum, including ‘A Potted History of Britain’. Curated by archaeologist Julian Richards of the television documentary series ‘Meet the Ancestors’, the exhibition charts 6000 years of ceramics, exploring pottery’s role in everyday life from prehistoric times to today.

The new name heralds a new ear for the museum. Staff and trustees believe it will be more meaningful and attractive to visitors and help support the museum’s longer-term business needs, ensuring it continues to thrive, as well as reflecting the museum’s role as custodian of the heritage of the whole of East Dorset.

Museum director James Webb, said, “It has been an absolute joy to welcome visitors back to the museum, and to see their reactions as they have explored its rooms and collections.

“We are so proud of what has been achieved here, and grateful to everyone who has been involved, from the early fundraising, through the restoration works, to the unboxing and redisplay of artefacts.

“We know what this museum means to people, and we are excited that, through this project, we have given this very special place a bright future and the opportunity to share its treasures even more widely.”

The museum and information centre, which are housed in a historic Grade II* listed building, have undergone a £700,000 restoration which transformed the facilities and exhibition spaces and restored and revealed the building’s historic features.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, David Morgan said, “‘Letting go of the name Priest’s House Museum was a decision we came to after a great deal of considered thought. While it was well known – even well-loved locally – it did not resonate outside the town and the religious connotations could easily be confusing to visitors. And while the name has a long association with the house, there are actually no historical records to substantiate it being a priest’s house.

‘The name Museum of East Dorset reflects the museum’s collections area, and celebrates its important role curating, celebrating and sharing the history of the East Dorset area, and its place at the heart of this community.

“We are delighted to have been able to open our doors again and welcome people back in to see and enjoy some of the incredible treasures we are privileged to hold. This is an exciting time, and we are looking forward to a bright future and seeing the Museum of East Dorset thrive.”

The project was made possible with a £982,200 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with matched funding from local councils and grants and donations from Trusts, Foundations, organisations, businesses, and members of the local community.

In light of the government’s plans to introduce a second lockdown until 2 December, people should contact the museum for more details about opening hours. Visit www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk for more information.