Creetown Heritage Museum is looking the part ahead of 25th anniversary celebrations – after a significant upgrade of its St John Street home.
The premises had been in need of a makeover for some time – and the enforced Covid-19 closure provided a chance to do just that.
Led by Creetown Heritage Museum chairman Archie McKie, the dedicated Silver Jubilee refurbishment team has crafted a complete new look.
Completed works include an impressive facelift to the front of the building along with new windows and revamped window displays.
Mr McKie said: “We decided two or three years ago that the museum needed a facelift. We went ahead and got it done this year and it has made a big difference.
“The building looks really good with the recoating on the outside of it.”
Inside, all displays have been enhanced and reorganised so to allow clearer viewing by the public.
Interpretation has also been improved to enable a comprehensive telling of the rich history of “The Ferrytoon o’ Cree”.
Highlights include major events, local industries, wartime experiences and outstanding achievements of local personalities past and present.
In addition, Creetown Heritage Museum’s Wicker Man feature recalls the filming of the 1973 cult movie.
Many scenes were set up the street from the museum in the Ellangowan Hotel – which became the Green Man pub in the film.
The Wicker Man collection, along with other fascinating items and artefacts, is proving a big hit with visitors keen to see the new layout.
Mr McKie said: “We have just opened up and we are busy every day.
“The folk are mostly holidaymakers but there’s been an odd local in too.
“There are some great comments about the museum in the visitors’ book from all over the world.
“We have all the history of the quarries and the histories of all the men whose names are on the war memorial.”
Amongst new publications available from the museum is a history of Creetown Football Club which recounts the many highs and lows of village teams.
Also on show is a 75th anniversary compilation of the Ferry Newsletter – a unique periodical that kept local men and women serving in World War Two in touch with the latest news from home.
The publication has been reprinted to meet continuing demand.
Private group visits can be accommodated by contacting Douglas McDavid at douglasmcdavid1960@icloud.com.
