About the Museum
The Timeline
1973 FOUNDED
Our story began in 1973, when historian Ivor E. Davies encouraged a group of people who were interested in local history to support him in forming the Penmaenmawr Historical Society. The society held talks and published booklets about the history of the town and landscape.
IVOR’S COLLECTION
After Ivor’s death, historian Dennis Roberts became the custodian of Ivor’s collection of documents and research. Dennis was elected chairperson of the society in the 1980s and added to Ivor’s collection by saving quarry documents and maps that were destined for skips. He also collected objects and recorded peoples’ stories.
2006 PENMAENMAWR MUSEUM
In 2006, the society started to manage Penmaenmawr Museum, which was then based in a quarryworker’s cottage on the edge of the town.
2017 A GROWING COLLECTION
The cottage gradually became too small for the growing collection of objects and archive material. In 2017, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Conwy County Borough Council, the museum moved to its current home in the former post office in the centre of Penmaenmawr.
PRESENT DAY
The larger space, centrally located in the town, has enabled Penmaenmawr Museum and Historical Society to expand its collection and activities. The organisation is now managed by 11 trustees, supported by more than 20 active volunteers, and organises a growing collection and wider range of community activities.
MISSION
Penmaenmawr Historical Society and Museum exists to promote, preserve and celebrate the heritage of Penmaenmawr and its surrounding area. Working with our local and wider diverse communities, the museum will foster the conditions for wellbeing, education and social engagement through our collections, exhibitions and outreach programmes. The museum will be at the heart of cultural life in Penmaenmawr, inspiring people to discover, learn and engage with our community heritage and understand its place in the history of Wales and the wider world.
OUR SUPPORTERS
As a small, independent and accredited museum, we are grateful to the funders and organisations that support our work. Thank you.