Discover Downham

About the museum

The Downham Market and District Heritage Society was formed in September 1995 with the aim of creating a local museum. Several plans for premises failed for lack of funding, and by 2002 the society had decided to give up the project.

Then the borough council offered the unused internal balcony of the Town Hall. Grants paid for glass display cases and story boards, and loans from local people filled them, so the centre opened to the public in 2003. Discover Downham was officially opened in May 2016.

The society's archive holds over 8,000 items about Downham Market and the surrounding villages of the Clackclose Hundred. Interactive displays cover work, play and war in the town's past, and a research library has family and property records, photographs and documents. The centre also works with local schools and offers loan boxes for classrooms.

Highlights

• Interactive displays on the history of Downham Market
• Research library with family and property records
• Archive of over 8,000 documents, photographs and objects
• Self-guided town trails
• Loan boxes for schools

Permanent exhibition

• The story of Downham Market – Interactive displays on work, play, war and hardship in the history of the town and surrounding villages.

Founded

2016

Operated by

Downham Market Heritage Society (charity no. 1154267)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free on regular opening days. Some events, such as evening talks and ghost walks, need a ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Wheelchair access to the building, disabled-access toilets and designated disabled parking next to the centre.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The displays are interactive, and baby changing facilities are provided. Education of younger people is a stated aim of the society.

Getting there & parking

The centre is on Priory Road in Downham Market; the website also gives the address as the Old Fire Station, 30 Priory Road.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Refreshments are available (hours may vary). Free Wi-Fi is offered, and a limited number of laptops can be used for research. There is an online shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

A meeting room with kitchen facilities can be hired.

Plan your visit