605 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8PR
Tel: (0114) 268 1270
The Museum forms part of the National Centre for English Cultural Tradition (NATCECT) at the University of Sheffield. NATCECT developed from the Survey of (English) Language and Folklore, initiated in 1964, and is now the principal national repository for material on all aspects of English language and cultural tradition. The Museum houses the Centre’s material culture collection, complementing and extending the documentary information on file in the NATCECT archives. It is situated next to Endcliffe Methodist Church on Ecclesall Road (the A625 to Hathersage), about 300 yards east of the Hunter’s Bar roundabout. It is housed in the Church’s former Sunday School, built in 1928. The Museum and its collections are owned by the University of Sheffield. However, it is run entirely by volunteers, the day-to-day operation being the responsibility of Traditional Heritage, a supporting association of Friends.
Affectionately known as “Sheffield’s secret museum”, the Museum’s success is dependent on visitors, sponsorships, and your support! All who share an interest in preserving our cultural heritage are invited to become members of Traditional Heritage, joining an enthusiastic group of Friends offering assistance to the Centre and the Museum. Traditional Heritage of course also welcomes individuals and organisations offering financial support, and/or advice, and expertise.
Originally designed as a teaching and research resource for students and for professionals in the heritage industries, the Museum has been open to the public since 1985, and in 2002 achieved full Registration status under the national scheme for museums. Group visits, guided tours, and research facilities are available to all by prior booking. The Museum runs a very popular educational outreach programme for schools and for other educational and social institutions. This includes hands-on experience of artefacts and other materials in the collections, role-play such as shopkeeping, and participation in a Victorian washing day, opportunities for sketching and describing objects, and for focusing on earlier historical periods such as the Victorian era, the 1930s, World War II, housing and homes, local history, social change, and on specific aspects of Key Stages 1 and 2 and beyond in the National Curriculum. A designated learning resources area is available for visiting school groups. Discovery trunks, mystery objects, quizzes and other activities based on the collections and displays add to the fun and effectiveness of the learning experience. Teacher’s packs and children’s activity guides are also available. Members of the Museum staff give talks and presentations at schools and other venues, and themed educational display packs of artefacts are available for hire. The Museum shop offers a wide variety of souvenirs, traditional toys, publications, and other items for sale.
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