Harlow has a new Museum. Opened in March 2002, the Museum has taken over the leafy site of the 19th Century Stable Block of Mark Hall Manor at 5, Muskham Road, Harlow. The site is well suited to the needs of the Museum yet keeps the character of the original building. The gardens of the Manor are retained at the rear of the Museum.
The Museum has four galleries devoted to Pre-Historic Harlow, Roman Harlow, Saxon to Georgian Harlow and Victorian to New Town Harlow. The Museum displays a few of the bicycles from the Collins cycle collection that previously occupied the site.
A Harlow Archive Access Point consists of copies of records, held on microfilm and microfiche, relating Harlow and all parishes in the Deanery of Harlow and the parish of Matching. Computer access is provided to the Essex Record Office. There is a local history library, well-stocked with local newspapers from 1953, census returns, maps and plans, programmes and scrap books, photos, slides, tapes and videos.
In support, there is an Interactive Room, Community Room, and Reception and Shop. We visited shortly after the Museum opened to find the Community Room filled with active 9 year-olds busily pursuing the history of Harlow.
The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, but closed for lunch on Saturday. The Museum can be contacted by e-mail on tmoh@harlow.gov.uk
. The Museum’s website is www.tmoh.com
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Pay a visit to the Museum when you are next in Harlow.