A NEW exhibition will give visitors the chance to explore over a hundred years of childhood memories and experiences in Barnsley.
Stories of Childhood opens on Saturday, February 8 at Experience Barnsley Museum and will run until next January.
The free exhibition is a celebration of themes that resonate with everyone: home, school and learning, toys and games, and special days. Each theme will be brought to life through toys and games, artworks, photos, videos and personal stories, all collated from the collections of Barnsley Museums and archives.
A council spokesperson said: “The exhibition aims to spark conversations and evoke memories of childhood, offering something for everyone to relate to and enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to explore, reminisce, and play, making new connections with their own past and the experiences of others.
“To add some 21st century flair to the exhibition, Barnsley Museums did some contemporary collecting with local Burton Road School. Each child in the project got a chance to select a toy to contribute to the collection and received a version of the toy themselves. The pupils were taught about museum collecting and objects from different time periods.”
Younger visitors to the exhibition can enjoy a small play area for imaginative play with dress-up options. Lots of free, family-friendly activities and events will also be added throughout the year.
Coun. Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The Stories of Childhood exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse experiences of childhood here in Barnsley. We believe that every child deserves to have a wonderful and memorable childhood, and this exhibition reflects that vision. I encourage everyone, both young and old, to come and explore the rich history and shared memories showcased in this free exhibition."
For more information and updates on events and activities, you can visit the Experience Barnsley website.
