Antique diving helmets at the Shipwreck Centre
The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum is a treasure hub of knowledge about the ocean’s sunken secrets, primarily around the Isle of Wight. Located at Arreton Barns Craft Village on the island, the museum attracts a visitor pool of all tastes and ages.
The collection held by the museum has almost solely been recovered and collected by Martin Woodward, a professional diver for 50 years. His passion for shipwrecks and maritime history has enthralled the public ever since he first opened his collection in 1978.
Martin Woodward testing the antique diving suit
The Shipwreck Centre holds an intriguing collection of curiosities. There is everything from antique diving equipment, ship’s navigational instruments, and artefacts recovered from famous Royal Navy vessels, to pieces of eight and even a real “mermaid”! Additionally there is also an exhibition dedicated the history and service of Lifeboats, with the focus on the Bembridge Lifeboat Station.
On the 11th April 2017, the Maritime Archaeology Trust took over the management of the Shipwreck Museum from Mr Woodward (blog post). Our plans for the future are to build on the amazing collection that already exists. We are looking to expand the museum for more displays, continuously research the artefacts and the stories that are connected with them, and also adding the latest high tech visualisation technology to display the collection in a modern light.
Inside the Shipwreck Centre
So in honour of the International Museum Day 2017 we would like to highlight this gem of a museum and hope that you will join us in making it even greater for the future.
For more information about the museum and to plan a visit, please see their website: http://shipwreckcentre.com/
Volunteering
If you be interested in volunteering and being part of shaping the museum for the future please contact: curator[at]maritimearchaeologytrust.org.
Supporting Us
To receive the latest news from the Trust, please sign up to our Newsletter: http://maritimearchaeologytrust.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=90f4da1bc1dfe954c2280b284&id=3b0fd3fed4
Become a Friend of the Trust for only £1 per month and be involved in exclusive events and activities: http://www.maritimearchaeologytrust.org/friends