Tarves Heritage Centre

About the museum

Tarves Heritage Centre shows the history of the village of Tarves and the parish of Tarves and Barthol Chapel in Aberdeenshire. The Tarves Heritage Project began in 1992, and the centre moved into its present building in July 2004. The building is part of a Victorian school that dates from 1837 and was restored to fit the conservation area of the village.

The centre is run by volunteers as a charity. Its main display room, the Corbett Room, has changing exhibitions on local themes such as farming and domestic life, shops and trades, the school, the church and the history of the area. A large photograph archive and a growing collection of newspaper cuttings can be viewed. The centrepiece of the collection is a Bronze Age sword found locally, shown with other Bronze Age and Stone Age finds.

The restored Victorian classroom has period desks, slates, a blackboard and other equipment. School classes can take part in role-play lessons there, and the centre also welcomes groups outside its normal opening hours.

Highlights

• Restored Victorian classroom with period desks and slates
• Locally found Bronze Age sword and other prehistoric objects
• Photograph archive and newspaper cuttings on Tarves
• Changing displays in the Corbett Room
• Free entry and school role-play visits

Permanent exhibitions

• The Heritage Centre – Changing local history displays in the Corbett Room, a photograph archive, newspaper cuttings and a locally found Bronze Age sword.
• The Victorian Classroom – A restored schoolroom with reproduction period desks, slates, a blackboard and other items, used by visitors and by school groups for role-play lessons.

Founded

2004

Operated by

Tarves Heritage Project (Scottish charity SC021511)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free, and donations towards running costs are welcome. Schools are asked for a suggested donation of £1 per pupil.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

School classes can experience a Victorian school day with costumes and role-play in the restored classroom. The centre can only host one class at a time.

Getting there & parking

Tarves is about 18 miles north-west of Aberdeen. The centre is in the middle of the village. From Aberdeen take the A90 north and the B999 for about 13 miles.

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