For those who wish to see what life was like in America from colonial times,without the expense of crossing the Atlantic you could do worse than visit this attraction. The American Museum housed in neo-classical manor of Claverton Manor in Bath Eighteen period rooms show the development of America from the time of the earliest English settlers to the eve of the Civil War.
The house is situated on two levels on the ground and first floors there are a number of authentically furnished rooms, showing life from colonial times to the mid 19th century and is the largest such collection outside the US. Although this may be of more interest to adults children are not however forgotten.
On the lower floor of the building a new exhibition was opened last year with many touch screen an interactive displays which the kids will love (probably the adults too though they might not own up to it) which give a good insight into the museum and the American way of life. Also throughout the season again which may be mainly of interest to the younger visitor there are various re-enactment events For the 2008 season these include:
Civil War Camp Life and Drill Displays American Independence Day Drill Displays Wild West Encampment French and Indian War American Civil War Weekend
These all take place on the museum lawn in the afternoons.
Every year there is a temporary exhibition for 2008 this is about the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic the ship that proved its designer wrong the "unsinkable"ship sank
Included in the exhibition is a rare opportunity to see First, Second and Third Class menus displayed together. The Third Class example is of tremendous interest since it is dated 14 April 1912. Just before midnight that very evening the Titanic struck the iceberg. and the rest is history.
Other poignant reminders of the tragedy are also on display including onboard letters and cards posted from Titanic in Ireland - its last stop in Europe before heading across the Atlantic as well as messsages sent from the rescue ship, Carpathia. Such objects make the events of that black night vividly alive.
The Grounds The museum has extensive grounds some 120acres in all which has fine views over the Limpley Stoke Valley and in the distance Salisbury Plain can be seen on a clear day.
For those unlike me who have not been able to see the real thing the museum has a garden inspired by George Washington's American garden at Mount Vernon Virginia. There is also has an American Arboretum.
How to get there The museum is situated on the south-east corner of Bath and is well signed from the city centre and the A36 Bath-Warminster road. There is plenty of parking at the museum itself.
Opening Times and admission charges for this year are
Saturday 15 March - Sunday 2 November Opening hours 2008 (Tuesday - Sunday) 12.00 - 5.00 pm. Last entry into the museum 4.00 pm Closed Mondays (except Bank Holiday Mondays) open everyday in August!
ADMISSION PRICES 2008: Museum, Grounds and Exhibition: Adult £7.50, Senior Citizens/Students £6.50, Children (5-16) £4.00 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £20.00 Grounds and Exhibition: Adult £5.00,
There is plenty to see and do at this outstanding museum particularly if you visit on the "Living history" days, however while here one really needs to spend several days in Bath as there is so much to see in perhaps one of the most beautiful and historic and finest Georgian cities in Britain .
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Thanks to Pittypomm for point out this rather strange semi-plagarist take on a review... Elle.
headcase44 01.04.2008 11:27
Good review.... Went here when my children were small and really enjoyed it. They would give you a slice of hot brownie when you did a tour of the kitchen. Also I marvelled at the lovely patchwork bedspreads in the museum. All in all it was a lovely place to visit.
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