The Helena Thompson is both a museum and a community venue serving the town of Workington and the surrounding area.
This elegant Georgian house is a Grade II listed building was bequeathed to the town by the late Helena Thompson. Originally the building was in the care of the local authority but it is now managed by Workington Heritage Group under licence from Allerdale Borough Council.
The museum, which is accredited by the Arts Council, reflects the area’s history, industry, culture and social life through displays, interactive audio and visual information units and digital information. More than just a museum, the Helena Thompson is now home to groups with a wide variety of interests and activities and is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies, children’s days, exhibitions, parties, concerts and other events.
A new much larger toilet block has been added to the building as well as a disability-friendly new front car park and ramp access. The reception and servery area is much more wheelchair friendly. Many new artifacts have been added to the front entrance highlighting some of the area’s industrial past.
An interactive virtual tour of the museum is available to view on a tablet for anyone unable to use the stairs to the first floor.
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We are very proud to announce that in 2016 the Helena Thompson volunteers were awarded the ‘Queens Award for Volunteers’ and were included in the Queens Birthday Honours list.
This award is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteers. Presentation of the Award by the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria was made to Pat Martin, one of our long-serving volunteers, and Stephen Jones, another valued volunteer together with Sue Hayman, former local Member of Parliament.
Café open Mon, Tues and wed 10am until 2pm
Today's specials, steak pie mash peas and gravy. Veg and mince beef pie and lasagne, and all the usual menu as well. See you later 😀 ... See MoreSee Less
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Well where do I start !! We have had an extremely busy few weeks, that hectic I have not had chance to post on our page so apologies for that ! The museum has seen many visitors from far and wide. It's been great to see so many children visit who are really interested in local history!! The cafe has been busy and it's been great to get outside in the garden for meals. We have had parties, meetings, private bookings, weddings and christenings I will post a selection of photos. This week cafe open Mon tues and wed 10am until 2pm. Museum open Mon Tues wed and Thurs 10 until 4pm. We are closed Friday to set for a wedding on Saturday ... See MoreSee Less
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Great achievements
I was just thinking of a 1950s wedding reception. There would always be a HP Sauce bottle on each table. 😂
Looks amazing! xx🥰
Lovely as always 💖
Another beautiful wedding at the weekend 😍 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Beautiful setting for a wedding well done Trish and pals xx
Absolutely gorgeous!!!as always
Yet again spot on. Just beautiful. You've got exactly what it takes to make a lovely day for the bright de and groom. 👍☺️
Gorgeous ❤️❤️
Alison Briscoe
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