Our current exhibitions
The Snowman™
5 October 2024 – 12 January 2025
In 1978 Raymond Briggs’ story of The Snowman™ was published. The book was narrated entirely through beautifully dreamlike hand-drawn pictures, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. In 1982 the story was adapted for the small screen and has been shown at Christmas every year since. The award-winning film has become an integral part of the festive period and is enjoyed by children and adults alike.
The museum is thrilled to present some of the original hand-drawn cels and celluloid sheets used in the TV adaptation, as well as a facsimile of the original manuscript, and a selection of the early books. There is dressing-up for the little ones, a reading corner, and other activities for children.
© Snowman Enterprises Limited 2024
Good Vibes: Remembering Hitchin’s House Parties and Sound Systems from the 1960s to 1990s – An exhibition to celebrate Black History Month
1 October – now extended to 10 November 2024
This Black History Month North Hertfordshire Museum presents a fascinating look back on how this popular feature of the local cultural scene began and evolved. The exhibition shares the stories of those who were there, of how migrants from the Caribbean arrived in Hitchin with customs and traditions to build community togetherness through socialising at house parties. Rejected from pubs and social venues by the racism of many owners and customers, the new Black citizens decided to continue their traditions in the front rooms and sometimes basements of their homes, creating an opportunity for people to enjoy food, drink and music together.
The exhibition, which combines stories, pictures, music and objects assembled by the community, highlights some key figures from the House Party and later Sound System scene, remembering popular parties hosted by people like Miss Lou at her home on Dacre Road and Mr and Mrs Johnson’s parties at Periwinkle Lane. The exhibition then tells the tale of how the new generation moved into creating their own Sound Systems. These systems featuring towering speakers and amps were constructed by self-taught engineers. Hear from people like Clint Bucknor of Amegus Downbeat about how Sound Systems really put Hitchin on the map, with different ‘sounds’ and their followers coming from places as far away as Birmingham to do musical battle in town. The exhibition highlights one aspect of the Caribbean community’s resilience as it grew in Hitchin.
This exhibition is upstairs in The Arches, part of the Terrace Gallery.
Future exhibitions
For upcoming exhibitions, please see here.
Museum Talks
For more information and to book tickets click here to go to Art Tickets, have a look at the events on our Facebook page or ask at the Museum reception and we can book it for you.
Are you part of a local group or society?
We offer a number of bookable talks given by our expert museum staff. The talks need to be pre-booked and cost £65. Talks can be held at the Museum or at your own venue; if your venue is outside the district, we have to charge travelling expenses.
They can be for up to 40 people. The talks usually last an hour and can be daytime or evening.
It is also possible to arrange online talks using platforms such as Zoom. Please ask for further details.
For more information or to book a talk please email Rebecca Barkus.
To see a full list of available talks, please click here.