Museum News
What's been going on at Halstead Museum? - Spring 2025
The winter closure of the museum enabled us to continue our archiving tasks uninterrupted. Very little happened during the two month break, but things gathered pace once we reopened.
A collection from the Walls family (who once ran a shoe shop in the High Street), contained uniform items from the Earls Colne Grammar School as well as a certificate for excellent window dressing from The Chamber of Commerce, during 1925. Exactly 100 years ago.
Steve Moxey, who is a local metal detectorist has donated to us a 17th Century trade token in fabulous condition, issued by John Finch of Halstead it is valued at one half penny. Best of all he donated a Middle Bronze Age axe head, approximately 3,500 years old (so I am told). We have had a wooden shaft made to mount the axe head on to, to demonstrate how it was most likely used. It is now permanently displayed in our cabinet for all to see.
The Beal family have given us several albums of photographs, demonstrating various social events staged by the Towns Women’s Guild of Halstead.
This museum has been successful in purchasing four photographs dated 1866, which is at the very beginning of early photography. One is of the High Street, another is a view of St. Andrew’s church from Head Street.
The Rotary Club of Halstead have loaned us several items including the chain of office worn by the long list of chairmen going back to the 50s.
Well done all those who have renewed their membership (130+) for 2025. There will always be a few stragglers who need a gentle reminder, we love them as well! A big thank you to all those who willingly and regularly give cash donations to this society. So many pay their subscriptions and don’t require their change. All monies are gratefully received and placed directly into our donations box, which enables the purchasing of both essential goods and items of historical interest to Halstead from sites such as Ebay.