Children to ‘Take Over’ Wrexham Museum

Wrexham County Borough Museum is one of a number of museums, galleries and heritage sites across Wales gearing up to invite children and young people to ‘take over’ for a day.

‘Taking Over Museums’ is a Welsh Government supported scheme in which children and young people are empowered to take a lead in running museums. Although the nationwide takeover day happened last week, Wrexham Museum is participating this Saturday and almost every role will be occupied by members of the town’s younger generation, from exhibition designers to gallery enablers and front of house staff.

Members of the monthly history and heritage club ‘Bryn’s Buddies’ will be taking over on Saturday 1st December between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The children, aged between 7 and 11 years old, will work together in groups and takeover many different roles in the museum. They will have the opportunity to answer the phone, meet and greet visitors and talk them through one of the main exhibits. The children will also be manning the handling trolley, enabling visitors to touch, feel and hold specific objects as well as help design posters and write press releases.

The aim of the initiative is to develop and strengthen the relationships between museums and young people. Whilst the children have the chance to be at the heart of a museums work, the museum will gain new ideas and fresh imputes as well as gaining a better understanding of young people’s interests, needs and expertise.

The day is organised by Kids in Museums, supported by the Welsh Government and in partnership with the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

Commenting AM Lesley Griffiths said “We are fortunate to have an inspiring museum in Wrexham which encourages children and young people to become interested in our local history and culture. This Government backed scheme will only serve to strengthen the town’s community spirit.”

“It is wonderful that Wrexham’s younger generation have the opportunity to experience every aspect of the museum and that the museum can showcase the positive contribution it can make to our society.”