A Season Shaped by Volunteers
Before we step into a summer of making, wandering and discovering, we want to celebrate the people who make so much of our work possible. Our volunteers have helped us move 25,000 social‑history objects, process thousands more, rebuild racking, and sort over 2.5 tonnes of archaeology - all with kindness, humour and astonishing dedication. Their contribution to caring for our 750,000‑object collection has been nothing short of remarkable.
June’s programme is just as full of energy: the first in our Nature Journal series, Roman Gloucester Walks, the playful Brick Builders Club, soothing Quiet Mornings, Lucius’ Roman Soldier Tour and June’s colourful Creativity Cart.
And just ahead, July’s Festival of Archaeology brings The King’s Bastion and Linda Proud’s Author Talk - two events that open a window into Gloucester’s ancient stories.
Scroll down to find out more!
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MAGIC
Our volunteers have helped us do something remarkable this year: move and care for a museum‑sized collection. From shifting and documenting 25,000 social‑history objects to sorting more than 2.5 tonnes of archaeology for the Discovery Centre, their time, humour and dedication have powered projects we simply couldn’t have achieved alone.
You’ll also spot some of our volunteers’ favourite objects popping up on our social media this month - a lovely glimpse into the pieces that have inspired them during these huge moves.
There’s so much more to their story, and it’s well worth a read.
We’re opening the first chapter of our new Nature Journal series this month - a creative adventure designed to spark curiosity in young explorers and adults alike.
Nature Workshop (U16)
Sat 27 Jun, 2pm
Join artist Claire Taylor‑Jones for the first in our monthly Nature Journal workshops, where young creators use real objects from our handling collection to spark their creative nature‑inspired journaling. June’s theme is squirrels - lively tails, quick movements and all the tiny details that bring these woodland characters onto the page.
Nature Workshop (Over 16)
Sat 27 Jun, 3pm
A calm, creative session with artist Claire Taylor‑Jones, inviting adults and older teens to begin their own Nature Journal using real objects from our handling collection as inspiration. June’s theme is squirrels - their textures, movements and small woodland details becoming prompts for thoughtful, nature‑rich journaling.
WHAT’S ON THIS JUNE
June at the Museum is full of hands‑on makes, quiet moments and little journeys into Gloucester’s past - a month for curious minds of all ages.
Civic Trust: Roman Gloucester Walks
Fri 12 Jun, 10:30am
Step into Roman Glevum on a lively wander that begins at the Museum and dips down into the Eastgate Chamber, where ancient walls and gateways still whisper their stories. As you explore the city, you’ll trace the old Roman streets, stand where the four gates once met, and meet Emperor Nerva in statue form before looping back to the Museum to see the artefacts that bring it all together.
Brick Builders Club
Sat 13 Jun, 11am
Our Brick Builders Club takes a playful leap into science this month, inspired by Edward Jenner and the world of discovery. Young creators can dream up contraptions, laboratories and wild inventions in this relaxed, self‑guided session that encourages curiosity, creativity and a little experimental thinking. Perfect for families with children aged 5+.
Quiet Mornings
Every Thu, 10am - 12pm
Ease into the day with our weekly Quiet Mornings - a softer, calmer way to explore the Museum. Sounds are lowered, lights are gentler and there’s plenty of space to wander at your own pace. No booking needed, and you’re welcome to stay on after 12pm when the Museum returns to its usual buzz.
Roman Soldier Tour of the Eastgate Chamber
Sat 20 Jun, 2pm
Step underground with auxiliary soldier Lucius for a lively look at how Gloucester’s Roman walls were built and what became of them through the centuries. It’s a playful, story‑rich peek into the city’s past, told right where the history happened.
Creativity Cart
Sat 20 Jun, 11am
Drop in and get making at our self‑directed Creativity Cart - a relaxed corner filled with changing materials, simple prompts and playful ideas for all ages. This June, young creators can craft bright dragonflies, ladybirds and butterflies using wooden pegs, colourful pipe cleaners and patterned card, building bold little bugs that celebrate the season. Suitable for ages 5+.
COMING IN JULY
As the Festival of Archaeology arrives in Gloucester, we’re shining a light on the city’s layered history with two fascinating talks that bring the past vividly to life.
FOA: The Kings Bastion with Andy Armstrong Talk
Thu 23 Jul, 1pm
Explore the hidden chamber beneath King’s Walk as City Archaeologist Andrew Armstrong reveals towering stretches of Roman wall and the medieval bastion built onto it. Discover how these rare remains were uncovered, why they were preserved, and what they tell us about Gloucester’s deep, layered past.
Linda Proud: Author Talk & Book Signing
Step into the world of Iron Age Glevum as historical‑fiction author Linda Proud shares how she imagined the lives of the Dobunni at the moment Rome pushed its frontier to the Fosse Way. With readings from Chariot of the Soul and The Albios Way - from riding the Severn bore in coracles to the sacred lake once in north Gloucester - this is a vivid, atmospheric journey into a “lost” landscape brought back to life.
Find out more about wat’s happening at the museum on our What’s On page!