Orkney's Stromness Museum
Located on the island of Orkney is the fascinating Stromness Museum. This fine museum, run by the Orkney Natural History Society, offers visitors an in depth look into the natural and maritime history of Orkney. Established back in 1837, the Stromness Museum has a number of interesting displays and collections. When visiting Orkney you won't want to miss a visit to this outstanding museum.
Stromness Museum is located in a building at 52 Alfred Street in Stromness. This fine structure was constructed in 1858 and was used both for the museum and for the town hall. The building which stands beside the harbor has recently been restored, but still provides patrons with an air of the Victorian era.
As you enter the lower gallery you will discover a number of displays devoted to Orkney's seafaring history. Most interesting are items from the German High Seas Fleet. There are also exhibits related the Hudson's Bay Company which operated between Orkney and Canada. Renowned explorer John Rae's history is also investigated at the museum. In the upper gallery you will also find an intriguing bird specimen collection brought together by the Orkney Natural History Society. You will also see a number of interesting fossils discovered locally and details on marine life in the region. The society has also taken on The Pilot's House in addition to the museum. Who were the pilots? These were local seafaring men who directed large ships into the port. After careful restoration it was opened to the public. Visitors will be impressed by the collection of maritime, Inuit and whaling displays. The museum also organizes a number of fun activities for children to enjoy. Those looking to purchase souvenirs can pop into the museum's little shop.
Orkney's Stromness Museum is considered one of the best in the country. Brilliantly set-up and telling the tale of Orkney accurately, it is a marvelous experience for visitors. From April through to September the Stromness Museum is open through the week from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. From October to March it is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.
User Comments & Reviews
2009-09-10 15:07:08
To Gogs Harthill, Thank you for your interest in Scotland.com. As we are not associated directly with the Stromness Museum, we suggest that you contact them via their official website. Alternatively you may want to try posting your query on the Scotland.com forum, where a host of interesting topics are discussed.
2009-09-09 22:53:04
Hello, i visited your museum in August whilst in Orkney exploring my grandparents roots in the herring fishing industry in Stronsay at the start of the 1900s, while in the museum i had a conversation with the 'long dark haired, good looking lass, who works in the museum, about a barometre that i have in my possesion, that as im led to believe, may have come from a german ship that was scuttled at Scapa Flo, if i sent photograph's could someone help identify if this is the case or not.. Thanks,
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