American Museum in Britain
Founded in 1961, The Museum has the finest collection of American decorative arts outside the United States. Displayed in a series of period rooms, the collection illustrates how early Americans lived between the 17th and 19th centuries. Interactive galleries offer an introduction to American history, while special collections highlight the finest examples of quilting, folk art, and early printed maps of the New World. The museum is also set in a spectacular, hillside setting including a formal garden, parkland, and nature trails.
Venue Type:
Museum, Garden, parklands or rural site, Archive, Library, Historic house or home, Gallery
Additional info
Both the musuem and exhibition gallery are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Certain parts of the gardens and grounds are also accessible. Wheelchair available for loan for use inside main museum only.
A series of period rooms display American furniture, woodwork, silver, glass & textiles which illustrate domestic life from 17th century to the eve of the American Civil War in 1860. The museum’s beautiful grounds at Claverton Manor overlook the stunning Limpley Stoke Valley, an include a replica of George Washington's Mt. Vernon Garden plus an aboretum of American trees and shrubs.
Collection details
Archives, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Design, Fine Art, Social History, World Cultures, Architecture
Key artists and exhibits
- Shaker furniture
- American quilts
- Trade porcelin
- Native American Indians
- Early printed maps of the New World
- American Folk Art
England and the Colonization of America
What was life like for colonists in the New World? Explore the lives, tools and trade going back and forth between England and America as these early setters began to shape a new nation.
• Colonial costume presentation
• Object handling with worksheet activity or map exhibition tour with worksheet activity
• 17th to 18th century period room tour
(Group size: max. 30; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Level: KS2)
How to obtain
Book in advance: 01225 823019
Kids' Activities
Drop into art and craft activities at the American Museum in Britain. These are suitable for children aged 5 years and upwards on Thursdays 13.00-16.00 in school holidays.
How to obtain
Booking is not required but space is limited so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Activities are free after normal admission to the museum. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Native Americans – As Varied as the Land
Through this programme students will come away with a better understanding of the diversity of Native Americans by examining their art, tools, clothing, and the stories that have shaped their culture. Supported by a grant from SWMLAC Strategic Commissioning Programme, this is a unique opportunity to understand the living cultures that lie beyond the Hollywood stereotypes.
• Plains Indian costume presentation
• Object handling and worksheet activity
• Guided tour of American Heritgae exhibition galleries
(Group size: max.30 - Duration: 2.5hrs; Level:KS3, can also be adapted to KS2)
How to obtain
Book in advance - 01225 823019
Textile Traditions
Using the museum’s famous textile collection, learn how quilts, samplers and rugs served to reflect the social, cultural and artistic aspirations of Americans - from the genteel cities of the east coast to the plains of the western frontier.
• Textile Room tour
• Object handing and worksheet activity
• ‘Design Your Own Quilt Block’ activity
(Group size: max 30 - Duration: 2.5 hours; Level: KS1 - KS4)
How to obtain
Book in advance: 01225 823019
The American West
Delving into the history of the exploration and expansion into the American West, students will begin to discern the fact from the fiction. From Lewis and Clark’s Voyage of Discovery to the days of the cowboys, find out how the west was really won.
• Plains Indian costume presentation
• Object handling and worksheet activity
• American Hertiage exhibition tour
(Group size: max.90; Duration: 3 hours; Level: KS3,GCSE)
How to obtain
Book in advance: 01225 823019
American Museum in Britain
Claverton Manor
Bath
Somerset
BA2 7BD
England
Website
Education and Group Visits
groupvisits@americanmuseum.org
Telephone
Education and Group Visits
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