Dartford Borough Council is proud to support and celebrate the town's rich heritage through the museum and sees the temporary closure as an opportunity to create a more engaging visitor experience while showcasing stories and artefacts that have never previously been displayed.
While the museum building will close for refurbishment, the Council's commitment to preserving and sharing local history remains unchanged. The redevelopment will modernise the space, which has not undergone a significant refurbishment for many years, and create new opportunities to tell the evolving story of Dartford and its people.
Throughout the closure period, residents and local history enthusiasts will still be able to engage with Dartford’s heritage. Dr Mike Still, Curator, will host regular Saturday history surgeries at Dartford Library (which will remain open), where members of the public can drop in to discuss local history, ask questions, and share their own memories.
One of the key aims of the project is to make more of the museum's collection accessible to visitors. Many artefacts with strong links to Dartford have never been publicly displayed, and the venue refresh will provide opportunities to bring these hidden treasures into the spotlight.
The refurbished museum will celebrate some of the borough's most significant achievements and industries, as well as everyday life. For example, the world-famous Vox Amplifiers was founded in Dartford, and many people were employed in its West Hill factories. These are the kinds of stories we hope to bring to life in our new displays.
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said:
"Dartford Museum has done a fantastic job of preserving and sharing the stories that make our borough unique, and we are incredibly proud of what it represents.
"This temporary closure is not the end of that story, it's the start of an exciting new chapter. We have a wonderful collection, much of which has never been seen by the public, and this project will allow us to showcase more of Dartford's heritage in new and engaging ways.
"History isn't something that stands still. As our community grows and changes, so do the stories we tell about ourselves. We want the new museum to celebrate the people, industries and innovations that have shaped Dartford, while creating a space that inspires future generations to take pride in our borough.
"Whilst we're particularly excited about opportunities to shine a spotlight on those connected to our borough who are both nationally and internationally known, we also know that some of the most important pieces of our history come from local people and their memories.
"That's why we're inviting residents to share their stories, photographs and recollections. Together, we can help create a museum that truly reflects Dartford's past, present and future."
The Council is keen to hear from residents throughout the redevelopment process. Stories, photographs, and personal recollections could help shape future displays and ensure the new museum reflects the community it serves.
Residents are encouraged to share their memories of Dartford, including stories of local businesses, neighbourhoods, community life, employment, and more.
The Council will provide regular updates as work progresses and currently hopes to welcome visitors back to a refreshed and revitalised Dartford Museum in Autumn 2027.
Residents can share any stories, photos, or recollections via email to: museum.dartford@dartford.gov.uk
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