
Classroom Curiosities Challenge
Try our family challenge solving puzzles set by the historical teachers in each of the old classrooms.
10am and 1pm – the sessions last 90 minutes
£3pp or £10 family ticket. Book on (01652) 635172
Try our family challenge solving puzzles set by the historical teachers in each of the old classrooms.
10am and 1pm – the sessions last 90 minutes
£3pp or £10 family ticket. Book on (01652) 635172
Bring teddy, a picnic and the family to enjoy in Sam’s garden Playground then join in our “after dinner” fun.
We’re prepared for all weathers – come rain or shine!
Bring-your-own picnic, choose a table – and we’ve tea & coffee for the grown-ups (there’s a small charge).
There’s no charge for the picnic table – but please book your table (tel. 01652 635172). They’re available from 11.30am.
Don’t dawdle because the fun starts at 12.30 with one of our museum staff.
The activities cost £2 per child and last 30 minutes. Don’t worry if you need to “peel off” if your attention wanders – you can check out more of the museum then rejoin us when you’re ready. It’s thirsty work so afterwards you’re free to roam around the museum and quench your thirst with some juice and a biscuit.
We’ve tried to think about children of different ages. Here’s the list:
Thursday 24 July
Teddy Bear Hunt – set off around the museum to look for teddies who work at the school, including Sam himself – with one or two surprises along the way, and a sticker chart to record your sightings.
Thursday 31 July
Sam’s Playground Playtime – Sam wants to show you his wonderful playground and try out some games – and he may show you what’s behind the secret door!
Saturday 9 August
Storytime – Everyone likes a good story, so we’ll find a quiet corner to share some wonderful tales.
Thursday 14 August
Treasure Hunt – We’ve found lots of hidey holes for you to find special things around the museum and test your looking skills!
Friday 22 August
Mystery Objects Hunt – Things aren’t always what they seem – we’ve found some unusual bits and pieces which are puzzling.
Thursday 28 August
Seaside Fun – Who’d have thought it – all the fun of the seaside comes to Barton! Everything from tin can alley to Mr. Wilderspin’s bouncy steps. There’s even a bit of sand to play with and water to splash in.
Bring Teddy, the family, and a picnic to enjoy in Sam’s garden Playground whatever the weather – then join in a fun activity afterwards.
Live the dream – workshops for the 7 – 16s+ on Sundays through the summer holiday.
Ring (01652) 635172 to book. See Facebook “Friends at Barton” for details.
Live the dream – workshops for the 7 – 16s+ on Sundays through the summer holiday.
Ring (01652) 635172 to book. See Facebook “Friends at Barton” for details.
Sometimes known by names such as ‘riding the stang’ and ‘skimmington rides’, this examination of rough music in the nineteenth century by Andrew Walker provides an insight into the ways in which communities sought to regulate themselves.
7.30pm in the Joseph Wright Hall
Barton Civic Society members free; non-members £4
Two hundred years ago, in 1825, Samual Wilderspin began a mission to set up Infant Schools around the country on behalf of the Infant School Society.
They shared a growing optimism that early intervention could improve the quality of life and alleviate delinquency among the poorest in society, in the expanding industrial towns and in rural communities too.
The Society had been established the year before, in 1824, and commissioned Wilderspin to travel the around the country until such time a Model School could be built in London, and to promote infant education in England.
Travelling on foot, by road and sea Wilderspin responded to enquiries and requests to advise and assist clients throughout the British Isles from his base in London.
Wilderspin’s tours included lectures too.
When the Infant School Society folded in 1828, Wilderspin was forced to rely on his own resources to continue this work independently and promote his own System of Infant Education. He moved to Cheltenham, and with the help of his wife, daughters and travelling agents, he claims to have helped to set up two thousand schools across Britain and Ireland.
One of the books published by Wilderspin was “Early Discipline”, published in 1832, which chronicled his earlier travels and experiences.
Wilderspin’s travels usually involved brief periods of a few weeks, often with return visits to inspect newly established schools which had adopted his System. Lengthier residences included Dublin, Liverpool and Barton upon Humber where his Model School and Playground of 1845 has been restored.
The early promise of a Model School by the fledgling Society, Wilderspin guessed, was just “castles in the air”. Barton, however, delivered what the Infant School Society could not; an opportunity to finally have a Model School to demonstrate a System of infant schooling which he had devised. This is why the restored School has been described by English Heritage as “one of the most important schools in England”.
This year and next, we will be marking the bicentenary of the establishment of the Infant School Society with an exhibition and special events.
We’re planning a trip back to the 1940s in the summer to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
There’ll be live performances in our ENSA theatre, and a tea dance of sorts with swing music and dancing.
Children can experience a lesson in the evacuees’ classroom, immerse themselves in some fun 40s crafty activities and experience life in the Anderson Shelter.
Historic vehicles will fill the car park and there’ll be a NAAFI café in the Playground.
Pop up displays, demonstrations and even some dancing will be the icing on the cake.
It’s happening on Sunday 13 July between 10.30am (not 10.30pm as the leaflet erroneously says!) and 3.30pm, and thanks to funding support from the Town Council and National Lottery Community Fund it’s all FREE!
The Vintage Fair we’d planned as part of the day, though, will not happen due to low interest. Sorry about that!
The car park will not be in use. On street parking is allowed on Sundays and there is a car park at Cottage Lane – a couple of minutes walk away.
Crafts and gift stalls in our indoor Christmas market and Father Christmas in his Victorian grotto.
Pop in for a rest, warm-up and refreshments.
Stalls are available to book by phone (01652) 635172 and email @ wilderpsinschoolmuseum@gmail.com.
11am – 5.30pm, FREE
Friends at Barton return to the Joseph Wright Hall with another great family panto to kick off the Christmas season.
All tickets £5, available to book from October.