| HISTORY Museum
Former Governor Sir Rex Hunt CMG officially opened the Falkland Islands
Museum in its current location on 13 February 1989. Britannia House, which
is home to the Museum, was built in 1980 for the Argentine Air Force,
who at that time ran a twice-weekly air service to the Falkland Islands.
After 1982, the building housed various Commanders of the British Forces
in the Islands until 1985 when Mount Pleasant Airport was completed. The
Museum started life in 1987 as an empty house with a handful of exhibits
and has built up over the years into a comprehensive and fascinating collection.
The Museum is well-visited, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors in the
last year - the majority of who are in the Islands on cruise ships.
Cape Pembroke Lighthouse
Cape Pembroke is the most easterly point of the Falkland Islands and
lies just over 7 miles due east of Stanley. It is thought to have been
named after Thomas, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord High Admiral
from 1690 to 1709.
STAFF & ESTABLISHMENT
The Museum is operated by a small team, but relies on the support of
Islanders both at home and abroad, new residents, military personnel and
short-term visitors. Without the invaluable donations and contributions
made by the public, the Museum would struggle to grow and develop. The
Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust is a registered charity.
LOANS, DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Loans and donations to the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust
are always welcome (please see Collection Policy). The F.I.M.N.T. is a
registered charity (No.C6[E]). A Government subsidy assists greatly in
the running of the organisation, but entry fees and donations are essential
to allow continued development. Funds donated, whether for specific projects
or general use, are always gratefully received and amounts over £50
are tax-deductible in the Falkland Islands.
COLLECTION POLICY
At present the Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust has no clearly
defined collection policy and will be pleased to accept most items, on
certain conditions - available space for example. It is hoped that the
Museum will soon be in the position to begin actively collecting to fill
gaps and develop displays and archives that are incomplete. Loans and
donations are always welcome. The owners will be asked to complete and
sign a form, to ensure that accurate records of the collection can be
maintained.
RESEARCH FACILITY
The Museum offers a research facility and we are, of course, happy to
provide facts, figures and general information on the Falkland Islands’
community and history. Whenever possible, we will gather as much information
as we have available on your subject and provide you with copies (scanned
or photocopied) of documents, photographs etc. from our archives.
Cartmell Cottage
Christ Church Cathedral
Government Dockyard
Government House
www.falklands-museum.com/
falklands.museum@horizon.co.fk |
