Rishi has said the Richmondshire Museum is Richmond’s hidden gem.
Rishi said the museum, which is tucked away in Ryders Wynd off the town’s market place, is well worth seeking out.
He visited the museum having recently highlighted Richmond’s many cultural attractions in the House of Commons.
Richmond is bidding to be the UK’s Town of Culture in 2028.
Rishi said: “Richmond has so many historical assets, some of which are better known, but none tell Richmond and Richmondshire’s story through the ages as comprehensively as the Richmondshire Museum.
“Despite its modest size, it punches well above its weight in telling that story in a modern, entertaining way suitable for all ages.”
He toured the museum’s galleries with Carole McCormack, chair of the museum’s trustees, Zoe Johnson, one of the museum’s two part-time staff members, and fellow trustees.
His tour included seeing one of the museum’s most popular exhibits – the BBC set used in the All Creatures Great and Small dramatisation of the James Herriot books.
New exhibits include a display which highlights the role of the River Swale and its ecological importance. Another tells the powerful story of a war-time refugee who found a new life in Richmond.
Mrs McCormack said: “We were delighted that Rishi Sunak took time out to enjoy our museum. We were pleased he enjoyed his tour and thankful for the appreciation he had for what the team here is trying to achieve.
"Gone are the days when museums were dusty and remote. At the Richmondshire Museum our main aim is to engage all our visitors, young and old, reinterpreting local history within a modern relevant context.”
Mrs McCormack said a series of illustrated talks were being planned for the summer. The first, on June 26, will feature a range of images of Richmond taken from magic lantern slides unseen for over 100 years, as well as from a 16mm cine film of the 1929 Richmond Pageant thought to have been lost. More details from the museum.
The Richmondshire Museum was established in 1978 by the Richmond and Dales Soroptimists. It is run by the trustees, the part-time staff and many volunteers who ensure it is open through the peak visitor months.
