The Emsworth Maritime & Historical Trust (EM&HT) administers the museum entirely through the help of volunteers from its membership, and donations from visitors, and local people, businesses and organisations. The museum is fully accredited by the Arts Council, England, and is one of the smallest museums in the country to receive such a prestigious designation.
Emsworth Museum is dedicated to preserving, recording and telling the story of the town and its locality through the triumphs and tragedies of its people, businesses and organisations. Thus the story of the meteoric rise of the oyster industry to national prominence, and its similarly rapid fall occasioned by the demise of the Dean of Winchester, is iconic to the town and the many people and interests that were affected by it. Emsworth too is synonymous with PG Wodehouse who lived, worked and played cricket in the town. The experience left him with a bank of names for characters and places from which his writings were to draw.
The museum has the only freely accessible permanent exhibition in the country devoted to his life and work. Other notable displays tell of the work of the acclaimed photographer and recorder of industrial production, Maurice Broomfield, and the achievements of Sir Peter Blake, world-renowned yachtsman.
10b North Street,
(above the Fire Station)
Emsworth,
Hants.
PO10 7DD.
ENGLAND.
By Phone
Museum Office - 01243 378091
Trust Secretary - 01243 373780
Museum open from 31st March until 11th November on:
Saturdays 10.30am – 4.30pm
Bank Holidays 10.30am – 4.30pm
Sundays 29th April and 6th May 10.30am – 4.30pm
Sundays (except 29th April and 6th May) 2.30pm – 4.30pm
St George’s Day (23rd April) 10.00am – 2.00pm
All Fridays in August 2.30pm – 4.30pm
The Museum is also open the year through on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 14.00-16.00 hrs, for research and donation enquiries, and event ticket sales. Check before travelling by emailing the above address.
Outside the above hours the museum responds to emailed enquiries.
The Museum is open for pre-arranged group visits throughout the year.