About the Museum
The Museum at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre celebrates and recognises the history of our Borough, the people who have lived here and their stories.
Our Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm and for one hour before evening performances.
Entry to the museum is free
Highlights of the Museum
• Find out how life was lived in Havant with our collection of objects that look at local life thoughout history
• Explore our 1950s re-created kitchen and decide if you could manage without a microwave or freezer
• Discover the past glory of the Hayling Billy train line with displays, films and an interactive model
• Explore fascinating facts about famous local brands, including Scalextric, Tampax and Kenwood
• Enjoy the beauty of three hand-painted Royal Doulton wall tile panels that once adorned the walls of the Havant War Memorial Hospital children’s ward
• Take part in our Family Museum Activity Trail – more information can be found at our Box Office.
Genealogy and research
The Research Room in our museum is open during our regular opening hours: 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and for an hour before evening performance times.
We provide free access to a range of resources including:
- Two computers with free internet access from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday
- Printed records for births, marriages, deaths, baptisms and burials for Havant and the local area from as early as 1635
- Census returns for Havant from 1841
- Maps of the local area from as early as 1875
We also provide a free genealogy and local history service. Appointments with our specialists are free, but please book in advance by contacting us here.
Thursdays:
11am – 1pm Local Genealogist – Christine Russell
Fridays:
10am-12.30pm Local Historian and Genealogist – Ann Griffiths
Lead photo (c) James White Photography. Supporting photos (c) Jasmine Aurora
More About our Museum
Arts Council England – Accredited Museum
As an accredited museum The Spring “demonstrates a commitment to managing collections effectively for the enjoyment and benefit of users.”
The accreditation is the nationally agreed standards to ensure all museums are sustainable, focused and trusted, inspiring the confidence of the public and funding and governing bodies.
Hampshire Cultural Trust
Our main collection is on display thanks to our partnership with the Hampshire Cultural Trust. The Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.
Their mission is to provide great arts, heritage, museums and creative programming, working closely with local and national partners, and placing communities, our collections and their stories at the heart of everything they do.
Accessibility in the Museum
We are delighted to welcome everyone into our building; we will always do our best to make your visit enjoyable.
We have wheelchair access to the museum and heritage room and an additional stair lift to the heritage room and Mezzanine Gallery.
An adapted toilet with baby changing facilities is available and we have facilities for gender neutral visitors.
Local History Booklets
If you’re interested in learning more about the heritage of Havant Borough, The Spring hosts a collection of digital history booklets. These have been produced and contributed by various local historians including Ralph Cousins, Ann Griffiths, John Pile, Jenny Bishop, Steve Jones, Robert West, and others.
Click here to view the digital booklets.
Please note that you will require a Google Account
Hard copies of some of the booklets are available to purchase from the Box Office. If you have any enquiries, please email info@thespring.co.uk.
