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The Long Shop Museum, situated in the heart of East Suffolk, is an independent museum run by a registered charitable trust. Established with the aim of preserving and promoting the rich industrial heritage of the area, the museum is a testament to the region's transformation from a coastal market town into a Victorian engineering powerhouse.
The museum is housed in the iconic Long Shop, a magnificent building that stands as a monument to the skill and dedication of the people who worked in it. The Long Shop was designed by the prominent inventor and engineer, James Paxman, and was built in 1853. It was the birthplace of numerous engineering innovations and is now a protected heritage site.
Our museum is not just a building, but a living repository of the stories and achievements of the people who made this area a hub of industrial activity. We strive to keep alive the memories of the people who worked in the Long Shop and the surrounding factories, and to share their stories with our visitors.
The museum offers a wide range of services to our visitors. We have a dedicated education team that delivers educational programmes for schools and colleges. These programmes are designed to complement the national curriculum and provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
We also offer guided tours of the museum and the Long Shop, led by knowledgeable and experienced guides. These tours provide insights into the history and workings of the building and the machines it housed. We also offer special themed tours, such as our popular 'Women in Engineering' tour, which highlights the contributions of women to the engineering industry.
In addition to our educational and tour services, we have a museum shop that sells a variety of merchandise related to the museum and the local area. All the money from ticket sales, from merchandise purchases, and from fundraising goes into preserving and developing the museum and its collections.
The museum is also a venue for various events throughout the year. These events include historical reenactments, themed days, and workshops for adults and children. We also host temporary exhibitions that showcase different aspects of the area's industrial heritage.
The Long Shop Museum is committed to sustainability and we strive to minimise our environmental impact. We have a comprehensive sustainability policy in place and we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
We are also dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that our museum should be a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, and we work hard to ensure that our services are accessible to all.
The museum is scheduled to open on Tuesday 4th June 2024 and we look forward to welcoming you to the Long Shop Museum.
General Impression
The Long Shop Museum seems to have left a positive impression on most visitors, with many praising the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the well-laid-out museum, and the interesting exhibits showcasing the history of Garrett's engineering manufacture.
Staff and Volunteers
The staff and volunteers at the museum have been commended for their friendliness and knowledge, making visitors feel welcome and providing valuable insights into the exhibits.
Exhibits and Collections
The museum's collections, including steam engines, fire engines, tractors, and other products of the Garrett family's engineering manufacture, have been praised for their historical significance and interest. The Long Shop itself, an unmodernised early 19th-century galleried industrial workshop, is seen as the heart of the museum and a fantastic sight.
Facilities and Events
The museum's cafe has been described as nice and clean, and the events and activities, such as the Steampunk Spectacular and live steam days, have been enjoyed by visitors.
Value for Money
Many visitors have commented on the very cheap admission price, making it well worth every penny.
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