How the Museum is Managed

Early deeds of sale record that the land on which the Museum hall now stands dates back to 1709. In 1860 the hall, which now houses our main collection, was built as a school, the Whitstable Commercial Academy. This building runs at a wide angle behind the shop fronts and the original school stepped façade is still visible above the portico.

In 1881 the hall was purchased by the Ancient Order of Foresters as their local headquarters and meeting hall and the present front portico was added to provide some dignity by proudly facing the street. The Foresters shared the hall for many years with local groups. The first meeting of the Whitstable Urban District Council’s was held here in 1894. In 1941 it was leased by the Foresters to the British Legion.

In 1985, Canterbury City Council, in collaboration with the Foresters and the Goldfinch Trust, opened the hall as Whitstable Museum. The Council continued to manage the Museum until April 2016 when, threatened with closure, it was contracted to the community to be run as registered charity by volunteers.

More information about the history of the building and the foundation of the Museum can be found in the publication History in Whitstable, People and Places by Geoffrey Pike and John Cann. Available to purchase from the Museum reception.