Maison de notre histoire
Small local history museum in Fenain that recreates life in the old mining basin, with a cellar fitted out as a mine gallery.
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About the museum
The Maison de notre histoire is a small local history museum that opened in April 2003. It stands opposite the town hall, in an old house fully renovated by the municipality, which entrusted it to the association “Fenain et son Histoire”. The house had previously been a sweet and confectionery shop, which had itself replaced the village’s communal bakery oven.
Members of the association gathered and staged objects donated or lent by residents, in order to recreate the homes of the first half of the 20th century. The visit begins with a rural interior with period furniture and objects, including the kitchen. A vaulted cellar has been fitted out as a mine gallery, to recall the importance of coal mining in this village: at the closure of the pit in 1976, the municipality had 6,200 inhabitants.
Upstairs, visitors discover a classroom from 1959, old trades and many objects from 1900 to 1950 that tell of everyday life. Volunteers from the association welcome visitors.
Highlights
- Vaulted cellar fitted out as a mine gallery
- Recreated rural interior with a period kitchen
- Classroom from 1959
- Old trades and objects from 1900 to 1950
- Free admission, visits accompanied by volunteers
Permanent exhibitions
- Intérieur paysan et galerie de mine – Recreation of an early 20th-century interior and of a mine gallery in the vaulted cellar.
- Classe de 1959 et métiers d’autrefois – Upstairs, an old classroom, old trades and everyday objects from 1900 to 1950.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Association « Fenain et son Histoire »
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility on the ground floor only.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Visits are led by volunteers from the association. Groups are welcomed by appointment. |
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