Your chance to become Museum curator for a day

Doncaster Council’s Museum Service is offering one lucky resident a golden ticket to become ‘curator for a day’. A competition is being held as part of the build up to the service’s centenary celebrations.

Doncaster Museum, then based in Beechfield House, was opened by the Viscountess of Halifax on 23 March 1910. The Museum moved to its current home on Chequer Road in 1964.

Ahead of the centenary, members of the public are being asked for their stories about their memories of visiting the council museums. These will help form a memory wall which will feature in the Centenary exhibition which will run 20 March to 17 July. Everyone who contributes will automatically be entered into a prize draw to become ‘curator for a day’ during the Easter holidays.

The lucky winner and up to three friends will be given a behind-the-scenes tour of Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, and Cusworth Hall Museum and Park as well as the chance to learn more about the role of a curator and conservation in museums. The winner and their friends can also look forward to a complimentary lunch with a tailored menu of scrumptious local food at the Cusworth Hall Tea Rooms.

Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Regulatory/Customer Services and Housing, said: "I have fond memories of being taken to the museum as a child and I think today’s exhibits are even more exciting.

"We are so lucky in Doncaster to have this fantastic museum. How wonderful to be celebrating 100 years of the service which has done so much to enrich the lives of local people.

"I am looking forward to celebrating this amazing milestone and seeing some very special exhibits out on display."

For your chance of winning the "golden ticket" pick up a flyer from the Tourist Information Centre 38 - 40 High Street, Doncaster or any Doncaster Council Library. The prize draw will end on Friday 26 February and the lucky winner will be contacted in early March. If any members of the public have any old photographs or any other memorabilia they may have relating to the museums history, the team at the Museum would like to hear from you.

The exhibition, called "100! Celebrating the Centenary of Doncaster Museum" will run 20 March - 17 July 2010. For further details contact Doncaster Museum on 01302 734293 or visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/museums