Dream of National Education Museum in Portsmouth takes another big step with 'starter premises' close to opening
Building near to Gunwharf Quays and Historic Dockyard will allow museum's growing archive to be stored and outreach work to begin in local schools
Plans are taking shape for the creation of a National Education Museum in Portsmouth as another major hurdle has been cleared.
Trustees behind the ambitious project have been working hard in acquiring a ‘starter premises’ and - despite this taking more time then they had hoped - they are now set to sign on the dotted line to give them a foothold in the city and begin preparing for the future.
The acquisition of the first premises, in the St George's Square area close to Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard, will mean they can more easily share their vision and bring more supporters on board.
It will not be the final museum itself, but a home where the its growing archive can be stored and properly catalogued, where small meetings can be held and where they can regularly display some aspect from the history of education. With the help of volunteers, outreach work can also begin in local schools and other clubs and societies to spread the word about how education needs to have a higher profile and importance in the country.
The idea of the National Education Museum (NEM) was first thought of by Hank Roberts and has been pushed forward through his hard work and diligence. Supported by an active board of trustees and supporters - including Southsea physicist and broadcaster Professor Jim Al-Khalili as one of the Honorary Patrons - this idea is now becoming a reality. The vision - to set up the country’s only museum dedicated to education, celebrating how we acquire awareness and understanding of our world - was publicly endorsed by Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan in a special reception at the House of Commons in June 2022.
Hank, who spent many of his teenage years living and being educated in Portsmouth, said: ‘We are so pleased to have Professor Al-Khalili as one of our Honorary Patrons especially as he is a renowned scientist as well as a Portsmouth resident.
‘We are also delighted to hear that Jim is giving the Royal Institution Christmas lectures this year. They will take place in person for children from 11 to 17 at the Royal Institution in London, but will be televised nationally.’
The big step forward for the museum will be celebrated with an exclusive event at the University of Portsmouth’s Park Building later this month. It has been organised by two trustees, Laura Watford and Sheena Wright - both Portsmouth residents and educationalists. Attendance is invite-only although further open helds will be held in the future.
‘We are delighted with the response from important Portsmouth organisations and people including the Lord Mayor and Mayoress, who will be present,’ said NEM secretary Jean Roberts. ‘It promises to be an informative and enjoyable evening and an opportunity to highlight the importance of our venture to the city.’