The Museum is housed in a two-storey weather-boarded building, one of the last representatives in Tenterden of a type of industrial building common in the area in the latter part of the 19th century. The museum was opened in 1976 and is run entirely by volunteers. It is an Arts Council accredited museum and a member of the Wheels of Time initiative with other Kent Museums.

It works closely with Ashford Borough Council’s Culture and Tourism Department and
is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the town.

The Museum maintains a very high standard of conservation and preservation of its unique collection. It provides a repository for artefacts connected with the area. Items gifted to the museum which are of local interest are always welcome.

Your visit can be enhanced by using our audio guide or accessing any of our interactive systems to gain further information on the exhibitions on display. You can also access information in our digital archive featuring pictures about people, places and events.

Genealogy and House History enquiries
The Museum provides a service for people wishing to enquire about their house or family in our area.  Please pop into the Museum to talk to us or email us at: enquiries@tenterdenmuseum.co.uk

Private viewings
The Museum works closely with local schools and teachers.  Our Schools Co-ordinator is happy to visit your school to support your teaching of local history and private visits can be made to the Museum to study artefacts relating to topics on the National Curriculum.
The Museum also maintains close links with local clubs and societies and is happy to arrange private viewings outside normal hours. Information from our interactive system relating to your club can be made available as a presentation for the occasion. Catering can be arranged to make it a highly social event.

Special needs
The Museum is a Dementia Friendly organisation and is happy to discuss any special requirements you may have for your visit.  Mobility impaired access is limited to the Ground Floor but viewing of the upstairs exhibits can be done using our interactive system which features Virtual Tours and information on all the major exhibits throughout the Museum.   

Admissions
Adults £2.00 Children under 18 years and students showing a valid student card are FREE.  People with special needs and their carers are also FREE.
The Museum has a small shop selling quality Tenterden souvenirs.  It also offers a selection of locally produced books relevant to the town and local history. Come and look for small gifts to remind you of your visit to Tenterden!