Ipswich Museum’s work by volunteers is best in East of England says the British Museum

Published5th November 2021

Ipswich Museum has won the British Museum’s Marsh Award for the East of England for work by its volunteers on its ‘Museum From Home’ activity pack that was distributed during lockdown.

Partners including Volunteering Matters, Suffolk Parent and Carers Network and Suffolk Libraries worked to develop these activity packs for use by children. Over 1200 activity packs that included art materials and activities inspired by the Ipswich Museums' collections were distributed in Ipswich to a range of groups – children aged 7 to 11, children with Special Educational Needs, under 5s and young adults.

The Marsh Award celebrates the achievements and contribution of volunteers in museums, galleries and heritage sites all over the United Kingdom, recognising their dedication, innovation and excellence in engaging with the public on-site and online.

Says Cllr Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Museums:

“I am delighted to hear that Ipswich Museum has won the East of England section in the British Museum’s Marsh Awards and which recognise successes in using volunteers to make museums the best.

“This is not the first time that the work of our excellent museum volunteers and the big positive impact they have on Ipswich Museum has been recognised. I’d like to thank all those who volunteer for us. It’s a tribute to the strength and attraction of our museum and our museum staff that we have won this award.”