People from Stone and across Staffordshire are being invited to take a behind the scenes tour of the county’s museum collection stores next month.
The free tour will take place on Friday 1 May 2026 from 10am to 12.30pm at the Museum Stores, Beacon Business Park, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0WL. Booking is essential and places are limited. Please visit the Staffordshire History Centre website for details.
Visitors will be able to see a wide range of items linked to Staffordshire’s past, including textiles, art, carriages and social history collections. Staffordshire County Council said the stores include objects connected to home life, clothing, agriculture, transport and the county’s wider history.
Among the items highlighted is the cast iron Samson statue from Stafford’s Gaol Square, which survived after the ornate drinking fountain it formed part of was demolished following a collision with a motor van in 1928.
The collections also include the Shrewsbury Carriage Collection, dating from the 19th century and linked to the Chetwynd family of Ingestre Hall, along with historic dress, textiles, paintings and artworks relating to Staffordshire’s past.
Catherine Mann, assistant director for culture, rural and safer communities at Staffordshire County Council, said
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such an extensive collection that tells Staffordshire’s fascinating story through many centuries.
“These behind-the-scenes tours offer a unique opportunity to see some amazing items. Each has their own story of how they helped shape life in the county.
“Some of the items will be displayed in the new Staffordshire History Centre, but with so many to choose from, it’s a tough job deciding. We’re delighted to be able to share this unique experience with visitors.”
People booking onto the tour are being advised that it involves long periods of standing, a short flat walk and a flight of metal stairs to reach all areas. The site has free parking and an accessible toilet, with full arrival details sent after booking.
The Staffordshire History Centre on Eastgate Street in Stafford is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and is free to visit.
