21 July 2008

CAITHNESS HORIZONS’ MUSEUM ON TOUR

 

When Caithness Horizons opens later this year in the restored Thurso Town Hall, pupils from primary schools across Caithness will already be familiar with a number of artefacts - thanks to a small travelling exhibition that has been touring schools since Easter. 

Acting curator of the Caithness Horizons’ museum, Estelle Quick explained: “The exhibition has been designed to give a flavour of the broad range of themes in the new museum.  It includes objects ranging from a fossil fish to a model of part of a nuclear fuel assembly and is accompanied by worksheets which encourage the children to think about the objects and ask questions. 

“It also gives an introduction to some of the most important stories to be featured in the new museum, including the remarkable life and work of Robert Dick, whose entire botanical collection will be accessible to the public for the first time.”

Since Easter, Castletown, Watten, Thrumster and Keiss Primary Schools have hosted the exhibition.  Head Teacher of Keiss Primary School, Maureen Miller, reported that the children had found the exhibition very interesting and are looking forward to the opening of the new facility. 

 

She said: “Having a mini museum in our own classroom gave pupils the opportunity to familiarise themselves with various artefacts and sparked interest and enthusiasm in the new museum. 

“They were particularly interested in the archaeological items, which they’ve been studying as part of the school curriculum."

“As the visit also coincided with an open afternoon, children could share their knowledge with their parents and get everyone interested in the unique artefacts.”

Caithness Horizons will be housed in the restored Thurso Town Hall and the adjoining Carnegie Library.  The centre, which will open later this year, will include the museum and an exhibition with an interactive display telling the story of the town of Thurso itself, and the geology, archaeology, history and ecology of the area.

The Centre will become the hub for both the local community and visitors to the area.  It will act as a signpost for attractions and facilities in Caithness and house temporary exhibitions and displays, provide lecture and audio-visual presentation facilities, a tourist information centre and café.

 

Further Information from:
Isabel Johnson, tel 01595 692465 or email