Open Doors, a National Portfolio Organisation project led by the National Civil War Centre, and Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum are celebrating after being Highly Commended at the Museum Development Midlands (MDM) Conference, Power of Place: Celebrating Midlands Museums, held in November in Birmingham.
The conference, attended by 177 delegates, showcased the outstanding work of museums across the Midlands in championing inclusion, innovation and community connection. The accolade recognises the two-year partnership between Open Doors and Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum, which has delivered creative activities, exhibitions and collaborations that connect communities with arts, culture and local heritage.
In 2024, facing an uncertain future, Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum joined forces with Open Doors to co-curate programming that revitalised the museum and engaged the local community. Their efforts included a landmark 10th anniversary event, oral history interviews with miners and families marking the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike, and a touring exhibition, Mining for Stories. This exhibition shares the experiences of miners and their families from Ollerton, Thoresby and Bilsthorpe, and is currently on display at the Dukeries Library until 13th February 2026.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This recognition is a testament to the power of partnership and the resilience of our local heritage organisations. Open Doors and Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum have shown how creativity and collaboration can bring communities together, preserve important histories and inspire future generations.”
Becky Fawcett, Open Doors Communities Curator, commented: “Working with Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum has been a privilege. Together, we have not only saved a vital community resource but also created new opportunities for people of all ages to engage with their heritage. The response from local families, especially young visitors, has been fantastic.”
Cris Cooper, Volunteer at Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum, added: “When we faced the threat of closure, it was the support from Open Doors and our community that made all the difference. Seeing new faces in the museum, hearing stories from miners and families, and hosting events like the Music and Mining day has given us hope for the future.”
This year, the partnership has driven a 22% increase in museum footfall, with visitors consistently praising the experience and expressing a desire to return. Initiatives such as creative workshops with local Scout groups and the first miners trail for young children have broadened the museum’s appeal, ensuring its legacy for years to come.
You can find out more about Bilsthorpe Museum and the mining history in Bilsthorpe at http://www.bilsthorpemuseum.co.uk.