Rye Museum Association


What is the Rye Museum?

Rye Castle Museum is a small independent accredited museum that receives no government or council financial support.  It relies for its income on visitor receipts, subscriptions,  fundraising by members of the Rye Museum Association members and any successful grant applications.

Rye Castle Museum exists to provide access to an Scheduled Monument (the Ypres Tower or Rye Castle) and a collection of artefacts –presently housed primarily at a second site on East Street–that reflect the history of the Ancient Town of Rye;  to ensure their continuous conservation and development; and to  promote them to residents and visitors of all ages so that they can appreciate and understand the unique character of Rye and its surrounding landscape.

Current applications for funding, if successful, will make it possible to reroof and repair  the Women’s Tower at the Castle so it can be opened for the first time in its history, with displays relating to women and children in Rye.   In the longer term it is hoped to relocate the East Street museum into a purpose-built structure within the Ypres Tower courtyard (presently the Medieval Garden). A single site should result in a significant increase in revenue for the Association while at the same time reducing maintenance costs and manning requirements.  These plans are subject to the approval of both English Heritage and Rother District Council but if present negotiations are successful the status of Rye Castle Museum  as an iconic attraction in Rye would be enhanced — to the benefit of both the Museum and the town of Rye.

What is the Rye Museum Association?

The Rye Museum Association is a private limited company and a Registered Charity which

  • operates at two sites in the Town, opening both to the public: the Ypres Tower (Rye Castle) and 3 East Street
  • undertakes the care and preservation of the Ypres Tower, a Scheduled Monument
  • undertakes the care and conservation of the various collections that are held by the Company on permanent loan from the Rye Museum Trust
  • undertakes research into all aspects of Rye’s history and wherever possible makes this information available through the Association’s website www.ryemuseum.co.uk
  • undertakes a wide ranging education programme for children and adults
  • understakes a wide ranging fundraising and social activity programme

We invite you to join the Rye Museum Association, an entirely voluntary organisation.  We need your support—and there are benefits and opportunities for you.

Why join?

Membership gives you unlimited free admission to the Ypres Tower and East Street Museums on production of your membership card. These are some of the other benefits:

    • You pay less when you come to Museum talks
    • You receive the Rye Museum and Local History Group Journal with articles about the fascinating history of Rye:  the factors and events that have shaped it;  its role in the defence of England through the ages;  the occupations, pursuits, customs– and idiosyncrasies– of its people,  the  stories of its streets and buildings, –to mention just a few examples.
    • You are kept up-to-date on the Association’s events, activities and projects
    • You have opportunities to help in the continuation and development of the Museum and Rye’s Local History
    • You have opportunities to meet many like-minded people with an interest in Rye’s amazing history.

A  Joining_ Form  is available for you to print out.  There is a  Gift_Aid_Declaration form as well;  Gift Aid increases the value of your membership fee or donation by 28%

 Ways you can be involved

Stewarding:  Welcoming visitors at East Street and talking to them about Rye and our exhibits.  Our visitors come from far and wide and like talking to local people.  Have a look at the Visitors’ Book and you will see how much stewards are appreciated!
Collection care and development:  Helping with the Museum collection:  cleaning and simple conservation under the direction of our Conservator, Linden Thomas.
Research and Website Development:   Increasing our knowledge of the items we hold and of other aspects of Rye history. Writing, editing, selecting illustrations for our website and our journal.
Education:  Helping with school visits to the Museum, improving the collections of artefacts which go out to schools, visiting schools, devising new activities for young visitors to the two sites, organising Discovery Days and Children’s Activity Afternoons…..
Fundraising and Social Events:  Helping at events such as talks, coffee mornings, craft fairs, the Christmas Grotto and other special occasions where we need people to decorate, organize stalls, welcome, serve food and drinks . . . .

Legacies

Small independent museums also rely on legacies from their supporters.  The amount may be as much or as little as you decide.  When you are drafting or revising your Will, please think about leaving a charitable legacy to the Museum.   It can, if you wish, be made towards some specific project or aspect of the Museum’s work, or for additions to the Collection.  Whatever you decide you can be sure it will be very much appreciated and your name will be attached to the outcome of the project, work, or objects purchased.

Should you wish to discuss aspects of legacies with the Curator or one of the Directors do please contact us for an appointment..  All such matterswill be treated in the strictest confidence.