Ironbridge museums launch club for young archaeologists
Young people with an interest in history can try their hand at archaeology at Shropshire's World Heritage site.
The new Ironbridge Young Archaeologists' Club, set up by the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, allows young people to join in digs and work with the trust's archaeologists to find out more about their work researching the area's history.
Shane Kelleher, the museum's archaeology and monuments officer, and one of the new club's leaders, said: 'We are very excited about setting up the Ironbridge Young Archaeology Club.
"Archaeology has played such an important role in the museum's work over the years. It is well known that Ironbridge is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution; however it is also the birthplace of industrial archaeology as a discipline.
"We hope to inspire a new generation of archaeologists who will learn to appreciate and value the importance of our interesting and diverse heritage, whilst having lots of fun in the process".
Members of the club will be able to meet up with the museum's archaeology team once a month and explore the history of the Gorge first hand.
For an annual membership to the Young Archaeologists Club network of £15 per year, children will receive a membership pack, containing a membership card, certificate, badge, and the Young Archaeologist quarterly magazine.
Members will also receive a YAC pass which will give them free access or reduced entry to over 120 museums and historic sites across the UK. In addition, Ironbridge Club members will need pay an annual branch membership of £10 per child to cover costs and materials
Any child who is interested in joining should contact the branch leaders at ironbridge.yac@gmail.com or call Shane Kelleher or Samantha Colclough on (01952) 435900.
