By Isle of Wight Observer
Island residents and visitors are invited to step back in time at a special open morning at the Museum of Island History in Newport, as part of the national Festival of Archaeology.
The museum, based at the Guildhall on Newport High Street, will be open free of charge from 10am to 1pm tomorrow (Saturday), with heritage-themed activities and displays on offer.
A highlight of the event is a new exhibition of artefacts unearthed by The Vectis Searchers – the Island’s long-standing metal detecting club – which marks its 40th anniversary this year. Many of the items on show are usually held in private collections, offering a rare glimpse into the Island’s archaeological past.
Visitors are encouraged to bring along their own finds, which can be examined by the Isle of Wight’s finds liaison officer. Information will also be available about the Portable Antiquities Scheme – a British Museum initiative which records archaeological finds made by the public.
The Festival of Archaeology is a UK-wide celebration of heritage and discovery, organised by the Council for British Archaeology. This year’s programme runs from July 19 to August 3, with hundreds of events planned across the country.
The Museum of Island History is normally open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am to 1pm. For further information, call 823433, email museums@iow.gov.uk or visit iw.observer/museums.
Maureen Sullivan