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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · 1d

#OnThisDay 1914, a meteorite fell on Appley Bridge near #Wigan. Here Russell Parry tells us all about it and the confusion it caused at the time.

youtu.be/v4jMuwNIR8U?...

The story of the Appley Bridge Meteorite

YouTube video by Archives: Wigan & Leigh

youtu.be

Reposted by Wigan Museum

Phil Fletcher @philfletcher.bsky.social · 4d

Here’s a bit more #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social

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Reposted by Wigan Museum

Phil Fletcher @philfletcher.bsky.social · 5d

Here’s a bit of #behindthescenes fun with Hacker in the @wiganmuseum.bsky.social

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · 5d

Today’s #OnThisDay #ObjectHighlight is this 1909 poster for a Grand Carnival at Central Park, #Wigan in aid of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. Donated by Paggett's painters and decorators, it had been used as a drawer lining and hidden for many years. What a fabulous find!

This beautiful poster features an illustration of a man standing on grass wearing butterfly wings and yellow shoes. The carnival boasted 1500 performers, 20 bands, and could accommodate 40,000 people!

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · 7d

Ever wanted to find out what happened locally in the English Civil War? This talk by David Casserly will include the Bolton Massacre, the siege of Lathom House, & the Battle of Wigan Lane.

🗓️ Sat 11 Oct
⌚ 11am-1:15pm
💷 Free

Book via link or 01942 828128

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/civil-war-...

Civil War in Lancashire, a talk by David Casserly

An in-depth talk spotlighting the local area and its links to the Civil War.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · 11d

Sean Jinks looks at the role that Wigan has played in the success of Coronation Street. From the first "wild child", the scriptwriter from Standish, to when the stars came to visit the town.

🗓️ Sat 18 Oct
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50

Book via link or ring 01942 828128.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wigan-corr...

Wigan & Corrie by Sean Jinks

Come and find out how Wigan is linked to the nations favourite soap.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · 21d

#OnThisDay #Wigan Casino held its first #NorthernSoul all-nighter. The nights ran from 1973-1981 & soul lovers from all corners of the UK would travel to dance the night away. Did you go to the Casino? Who was your favourite DJ? What was your favourite record?
We would love to hear your memories 😍

Wigan Casino poster from 1980. It features five separate photographs with an image of the Casino building in the centre, there are two photos of people on the dance floor, one image shows people looking through record sales boxes, and an image of DJ's: Dave Evison, Keith Minshull, Gary Rushbrook, and Russ Winstanley.

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Reposted by Wigan Museum

Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 25d

Tomorrow, all welcome.

Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 27

Inspired by his book 'Made in Manchester' join Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social for an in-depth look at the history of the towns & cities that make up Wigan & Greater Manchester.

🗓️ Sat 20 Sept
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink

Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-ma...

The Dinner Hour, Wigan by Eyre Crowe

A depiction of factory women's dinner hour with women seated on a long wall outside the factory in groups, eating, drinking and chatting. The women are dressed in long skirts and white aprons, some with shawls round their shoulders or pulled up over their heads. Some talk in pairs, one such pair in the centre walk together, one with her arm around her companion's shoulders. On the left, foreground, an older woman bends down to lift up a narrow pail. A girl seated on the wall behind her reads a letter. Two girls, leaning against the wall, bend their heads together and talk in a secretive manner, one has a basket on her arm, a pail in her hand. A woman stands at the end of the wall, on the right, leaning against a lamp post, ready to throw some food to her friend, who has her hands raised in anticipation.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · 26d

Intrigued by Wigan's rebellious past? The Standish family were one of the most prominent Catholic families in the area & this talk looks at their support for the Jacobites.

🗓️ Wed 24 Sept
⌚ 10am-12pm
💷 Free

Book via link below or ring 01942828128.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-standi...

The Standish Family of Standish and Borwick, rebels to activists 1688-1788

A look at one of our most prominent local families and their Jacobite connections.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Sep 10

Today's #ObjectHighlight is from our current 'What's in Store' exhibition. This charming elephant has been hand knitted by the donor of the toy, Margaret Kay, along with her mother using a Family Circle magazine pattern. Do you still have a favourite teddy or toy that you cherish?

The hand knitted elephant has an earthy yellow colour body with an long trunk and floppy ears. It has green pants, a purple jumper, white tusks, and white scarf tied around its neck, all hand knitted. The eyes and nails have been hand stitched in dark brown.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Sep 4

There are so many amazing #HeritageOpenDays events happening across #Wigan borough including walks, behind the scenes access to churches, mills & historic houses, as well as tours of the #archives & #museum. Find out all you need to know at the link below 👇

www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...

The front cover of Wigan Borough Heritage Open Days booklet. It is royal blue with pink colour bunting overlayed on top of an image of a red brick building.

Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Sep 3

Fascinated by Ancient #Egypt? Join Prof. Joann Fletcher for a look at how gold & precious stones were processed to serve multiple uses, one of which is reflected in our stunning 18th dynasty gilded coffin face.

Sat 4 Oct
3-4pm
£5

Book via link or 01942 828128

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mining-in-...

Photograph of Professor Joann Fletcher holding Wigan Museum's 18th dynasty gilded coffin face. Joann is pictured looking into the eyes of mask, as if it is reflected in a mirror.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Sep 1

To celebrate #LetterWritingDay, here is a poignant painting of a young lady reading a letter she has been sent. Painted in 1886 by John Seymour and titled 'The Love Letter', we have always wondered what the letter contained. We would love to hear if you have memories of receiving or writing letters.

The young lady is stood in front of a wooden fence and a tree covered in pink blossom. She is wearing a flowered dress with lace sleeves, and a cream shawl and bonnet. She is looking down, reading the letter that she is holding in her left hand. Her right arm is folded across her decolletage.

Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 29

Heading into the weekend we thought we would share our latest 'What's On' guide packed full of amazing events happening across #Wigan & #Leigh until the end of the year. From exhibitions & tours to light night & workshops, there really is something for everyone!

www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Res...

Image of the front cover of the latest What's On guide. It has a photograph of a polar bear puppet that is lit from the inside. This was one of the Light Up Leigh festival installations from last year. The event takes place again this year in Leigh Town Centre on 15th November 2025 and is free to attend although some activities my have a small fee.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 28

Today's #ObjectHighlight is this self-heating soup that would have fed soldiers fighting on the frontline during World War Two. Developed by Heinz & ICI, the cans allowed troops hot food in all conditions without lighting fires and revealing their location to the enemy.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 27

Inspired by his book 'Made in Manchester' join Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social for an in-depth look at the history of the towns & cities that make up Wigan & Greater Manchester.

🗓️ Sat 20 Sept
⌚ 12-1pm
💷 £3.50 inc drink

Book via link below or ring 01942 828128.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-ma...

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 26

For #HeritageOpenDays why not join us for a curator-led #tour & find out more about our wonderful Victorian building, exhibitions, & displays. #Wigan

🗓️ Tue 16 Sept
⌚ 1-2pm
💷 FREE

Spaces are limited so book your place via the link below or ring 01942 828128 👇

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-o...

Heritage Open Day Tour

A curator led tour of our wonderful Grade II listed building and displays.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 21

There's still time to apply for this exciting #full_time role!

Love #museums? We are looking for an experienced Lead Officer who is passionate about collections. Click link below for details 👇

Deadline 31 August 2025.

#MuseumJobs #JobVacancy #Curatorial #Wigan

www.greater.jobs/job/75724938

Lead Officer- Museums in Wigan

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instanceWigan Museum Library StreetWiganWN1 1NUSalary: Grade 7, £32,597 - £36,363 per annum. 37 hours per week We're on a journey to build a workfor...

www.greater.jobs

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 20

Known locally as Wigan Weavers, this window is from their office on Darlington Street. It was a proud textile union that had many women in high profile roles. In 1906, Thorley Smith was the first parliamentary candidate to stand on a women's suffrage ticket, backed & supported by this union.

The Wigan and District Weavers, Winders, Reelers, and Beamers' Assoction window has a light green coloured background with lettering in bright gold.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 18

Looking for something #creative, #fun, and #FREE to do during the #holidays? Why not pop to the #museum for train and clock themed activities and make something wonderful to take home!

🗓️ Wed 20 August
⌚ 10:30am-12:30pm
💷 FREE, no need to book

#FamilyFriendly #Wigan #Activities #Children

Poster advertising the clock and train themed activities at the museum. It is in black and white in colour with images of different clocks in the background with text containing details for the event in a semi-transparent box overlaying the clock faces.

Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 15

Today's #ObjectHighlight are these small, delicate #sculptures by former #Wigan & Leigh College teacher Catrin Mostyn-Jones. Based on organic forms, the artist's work was often inspired by sea creatures & the human body. Part of the Drumcroon collection, they are currently on display in the #museum.

The sculpture is round in form, with blue tentacle like forms sprouting out of the top. The pod style body of the piece is mainly green in colour, with dots of blue overlayed in a splatter like formation.

The sculpture is round in form, with dark orange tentacle like forms sprouting out of the top. The pod style body of the piece is mainly yellow in colour, with dots of orange overlayed in a splatter like formation.

Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 11

Passionate about #museums? Have experience working with collections? We have a fantastic opportunity to join our team as Lead Officer. All information & how to apply is in the link below.

Deadline: 31 August 2025.

#MuseumJobs #CuratorialJobs #Heritage #Culture #Wigan

www.greater.jobs/job/75724938

Lead Officer- Museums in Wigan

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instanceWigan Museum Library StreetWiganWN1 1NUSalary: Grade 7, £32,597 - £36,363 per annum. 37 hours per week We're on a journey to build a workfor...

www.greater.jobs

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 7

Dating from the 18th Dynasty, this gilded coffin face is made of wood covered in fine gold leaf. The eyes are inlaid with copper & made from polished obsidian (volcanic glass). Possibly belonging to a minor royal or high society woman, it is one of the highlights in our Ancient #Egypt display.

Photograph of the gilded coffin face that is currently on display in the museum.

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Aug 6

Looking for something creative & fun to do during the #holidays? Come and make a life-size #puppet with Goofus Theatre! All materials provided & you take your puppet home. #Wigan

🗓️ Saturday 9 August
⌚ 12:30pm
💷 £5

Book via link below or ring 01942 828123
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/puppet-wor...

Photograph of the puppets you will make during the workshop. They are life-size and have paper arms, legs, and heads

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Wigan Museum @wiganmuseum.bsky.social · Jul 30

Kapow! 💥
Looking for something #free to do during the holidays? Put on your best #superhero costume & fly down to the museum for face painting, crafts, #spiderman web shooting game, trails, & a museum object tour that's out of this world! #Wigan

🗓️ Sat 2 Aug
⌚ 11am-1pm
💷 FREE, no need to book

Cartoon style poster with yellow and red background and the words superhero day in the centre.