Here at the Museum of Cornish Life, we are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a Heritage Emergency Fund grant of £90,900 by the National Lottery.

This grant will make a significant difference to the museum, helping support our organisation through unprecedented and unforeseen times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Heritage Emergency Funding grant will be used to make major alterations to the museum’s shop and reception, opening up the space to make it easier for visitors to socially distance. It also provides us with funds to buy IT equipment to support the new online ticketing and shop sales, extra cleaning provisions, a vital lift repair and PPE for its team of hard-working volunteers.

Work on the project is set to begin immediately, regular visitors may notice a shift of location for objects and amenities. New homes are being found for the museum’s shop cases within the building and the large drums will be taken down and redistributed.

Project work will take place throughout November, but the Museum of Cornish Life will remain open, using a side door entrance most commonly used for the dancers on the Helston tradition of Flora Day. There will also be a pop-up reception and shop in the Cornish Fireplace and Denzils Den.

Museum Director, Annette MacTavish said “We are so very thankful to have received this significant funding grant from the National Lottery in this unusual and unsettling time for the heritage sector.

“This support will help the museum not only to survive but thrive, with ambitious new plans to create the safest possible welcome for our visitors and volunteers.

“Our thanks also goes out to all of the National Lottery players for making the funding possible and we look forward to welcoming visitors every day from 10am-4pm, simply book your free slot online ahead of your visit.”