See our Collections exhibited in six rooms.
All of our Reserve Collection is on display in the Store Room.
The Entrance Room
This room charts our history as a Cinque Port. A fabulous diorama of ship building at Small Hythe, and a huge, mural map of the Kent coast give insight into the early origins of Tenterden, through the mediaeval and into the early modern period. Archaeological finds, maps, models, and a timeline of events help to illustrate the history of this important borough.
The 19th Century Room
This room showcases our 19th Century collections, including items from the local police force, fire brigade, schools, trades and businesses. There is also a Victorian kitchen area and a fire engine last used in 1896.
Along one wall is the ‘Tenterden Tapestry’; fourteen colourful panels, made by pupils at Tenterden Church of England Junior School in 1974, depicting the history of the town from Roman times. In 2024, pupils from the same school worked with members of the Museum’s Schools’ Outreach Team to create a new panel (also on show here) to mark the 50th anniversary of the original.
The 20th Century Room
Look back at how people lived in Tenterden and District in the 20th Century using our interactive system, audio handsets and wall-boards. The rooms represent a typical 1960’s home, decorated and furnished with iconic items and designs.
The Agriculture Room
This room celebrates the agricultural heritage of Tenterden and its surrounding villages. Many of the tools on show here date from the 1800s, including a hop press, farming, carpentry and blacksmithing equipment. We also have a silent film created from contemporary cine reels, showing hop production during the first half of the 20th Century.
The Buildings Room
The story of the Georgian theatre is featured. Many items from local pubs and breweries are showcased, and you can find out about the history of brewing in Tenterden and District. The development of buildings is charted and many of the materials used in construction are on display including mathematical tiles, bricks and drainage pipes as well as wattle and daub, a crown post and fragments of Tudor wall painting.
The Special Exhibition Room
This is where you can view our latest special exhibition alongside a display from the Tenterden Motorcycle Club, which features an old Rudge motorbike.
The Reserve Collection
Everything from our Store Room has been sorted and put on display in cabinets so you can view a fascinating assortment of items not currently included in our permanent exhibitions.