May 23, 2013 9.44 am This story is over 129 months old

Lincoln museum store tours uncover hidden history

Store room tours: The Museum of Lincolnshire Life in Lincoln will reveal hidden gems from the county’s industrial and agricultural heritage for the first time.

Behind-the-scenes tours at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life in Lincoln will reveal for the first time hidden gems from the county’s industrial and agricultural heritage.

The museum is opening its store room for visitors, showcasing rarely and never-before seen artefacts from Lincolnshire’s past.

The first tour is on Friday, May 24 starting at 10.30am and 2pm.

The store room tours will continue once per month on June 23, July 9, August 14, September26, October 18, November 18 and December 10.

The tours are thanks to a £335,000 grant from Arts Council England, which has gone into making the store room visitor-friendly.

The money also went towards revamping the attraction’s reception and gift shop, as well as installing eco-friendly lighting and heating systems.

The 90-minute guided tour will highlight the best and most interesting items among the thousands held in storage.

Visitors will discover the stories behind the items and learn how they are preserved for future generations.

Nicola Rogers, district manager for Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The tour provides a unique opportunity to see previously-unseen items from our stores.

“These are all artefacts that show a bygone way of life in our county and will interest anyone who enjoys local history.

“In particular, it highlights the changing face of agricultural work through the 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to industrial advances.”

Highlights of the new tours include an early 20th century van known as a mechanical horse, a 19th century steam engine, a ‘living wagon’ used to house agricultural workers on the field, and engineering awards won at international exhibitions by local firms such as Rustons.

Tour tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for concessions, including tea and coffee. Visitors are urged to book in advance as places as limited.

To book a tour contact the museum on 01522 782040 or email [email protected].