Celebrating 175th years of championing historic St Albans
When the Society was formed in October 1845, carriages clattered over the turnpike toll roads leading to the town, the Abbey church was so dilapidated it was in danger of collapsing, and French Row housed brothels and beer houses.
Exhibition opens …
Now the Society boasts over 500 members, and has been active for almost two centuries in protecting and promoting the heritage of the city. To mark this historic anniversary, the Society collaborated with the St Albans Museum + Gallery on an exhibition that, intended to run from Saturday 10 October 2020 to 31 January 2021.
John Morewood, the new Society President, said that many members had worked hard to prepare for the exhibition. “Like those who formed the Society in 1845, we seek to promote an interest in and the study of local history”.
“The exhibition tells the story of the city and its environs through a collection of fascinating objects, each illustrating an aspect of the Society’s regional and national achievements”.
John expressed appreciation for the help of the St Albans Museum team, led by Sarah Keeling, curator for the post-Medieval to Contemporary periods.
Sarah said that both the Museum and the Society had worked hard to adapt the exhibition to the new demands of Covid security. “We’ve worked closely with the Society on many occasions in the past, and we’re delighted to have this exhibition as our first to open in the St Albans Museum + Gallery after lockdown.”
“The exhibition tells the story of the city and its environs through a collection of fascinating objects, each illustrating an aspect of the Society’s regional and national achievements”.
… and closes
Sadly, the Exhibition had to close during the November lockdown, and again during the January 2021 lockdown. It has now been removed to make way for other exhibitions to be shown when the Museum reopens.
Online exhibition continues
However, the online version of the Exhibition continues on the Society’s website, and you can visit anytime you’d like, without the need to wear a mask.
