Alford Heritage Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
Located in the historic Old Mart building, the Alford Heritage Museum is a window into the local history and rural heritage of North East Scotland, particularly Alford and Donside.
Opened in 1991 by a group of local farmers determined to keep the Old Mart alive for the community, the museum has breathed new life into what was once the hub of the town, a place for buying and selling, meeting friends and family and exchanging local news that dates back to 1905.
There is an extensive collection of exhibits that explore farming and rural life, and past exhibitions cover varying topics including local legends and button collections. And, you can travel back in time via the old schoolroom, farmhouse kitchen, souter’s workshop, tailor’s shop and grocer’s shop.
Notable objects in the collection include the waterwheel which dates back to 1845, a 1974 vintage American jukebox, a model railway depicting the trainlines in 1945, a collection of local family photographs and an extensive collection of tractors.
There are also a range of objects that give an insight into domestic life as it has been in North East Scotland over the last hundred years, including old washing mangles.
Other highlights include the old auction sale ring at the centre of the building which remains preserved, and you can even step inside the museum via an interactive online virtual tour.
Look out for The Wild Escape at museums and galleries in the next few months. Many have special events, or you can use our audio introduction to help children get involved at any cultural venue.
Visiting with children?
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.
