What’s On

Plays, talks, family activities, music, debates – there is something for everyone at Shire Hall Museum! Keep an eye on this page to see what’s coming up.

Event
Shire Hall Breakfast Club

Shire Hall Breakfast Club

Every Wednesday and Saturday 10am - 12pm
Delicious breakfast and endless tea and coffee for just £8!
Exhibition
The Tiger Who Came to Tea

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

16th March - 20th May 2023
A new exhibition celebrating the work of one of Britain’s best known children’s author–illustrators Judith Kerr is coming to Shire Hall Museum!
Talk
Talk: Children as Villains and Victims in the 19th Century

Talk: Children as Villains and Victims in the 19th Century

Saturday 1st April 2023, 2pm
In this talk, Brian Bates gives examples of child crimes and child victims and looks at the way in which a more enlightened approach was taken towards children.
EventFamily event
The Great Museums Easter Trail

The Great Museums Easter Trail

Saturday 1st April, 3pm - 7pm
Eggsplore three incredible museums on one extraordinary afternoon!
Talk
Talk: Britain and the Industrial Revolution: Social and Economic Changes that define Today’s World

Talk: Britain and the Industrial Revolution: Social and Economic Changes that define Today’s World

Thursday 20th April, 7pm
Emma Griffin, Professor of British History at UEA will be giving this talk.
Event
Dorchester Repair Cafe

Dorchester Repair Cafe

Saturday 29th April, 10am - 12pm
This month's Dorchester Repair Cafe is at Shire Hall Museum!
Event
British Sign Language tour

British Sign Language tour

Saturday 29th April.
Join deaf tour guide John Wilson to explore two of Dorset’s fantastic museums.
Talk
Talk: ‘I fear there will be blood spilt this evening’: The 1831 reform riots in Dorset

Talk: ‘I fear there will be blood spilt this evening’: The 1831 reform riots in Dorset

Saturday 27th May 2023, 2pm
Join Prof. Steve Poole (UWE) and Dr Roger Ball (UWE) for a talk on the 1831 reform riots in Dorset.
Talk
Talk: A Day in a Georgian House

Talk: A Day in a Georgian House

Saturday 3rd June, 2pm
An exploration of Georgian and Regency domestic life, from the dangers of the kitchen to warming the bed at night, whilst using a variety of original objects.
EventFamily event
Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall Museum!

Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall Museum!

Saturday 10th June
Dorset Youth Pride is an inclusive event welcoming all members of the LGBT+ community, families, young people and allies.
Talk
Talk: Underground Dorchester Tunnels

Talk: Underground Dorchester Tunnels

Thursday 15th June, 7pm
Hear about the hidden Dorchester under your feet in a fascinating talk with Councillor David Taylor.
Talk
Talk: The Swan River Experiment

Talk: The Swan River Experiment

Saturday 8th July, 2pm
In this talk, Dr. Kellie Moss will explore the various marginalised groups which where utilized by the colonial government to create the 'Swan River' colony.
Talk
Talk: Julian Richards on Stonehenge

Talk: Julian Richards on Stonehenge

Saturday 7th October 2023, 2pm
In this talk, Julian Richards will explain his obsession with Stonehenge.
Event
Shire Hall Christmas Market

Shire Hall Christmas Market

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November, 10am - 4pm
Join us at Shire Hall for our Christmas Market!