About

A local history museum in the historic port of Harwich. Visit their website for information on the latest exhibitions and events.

The Museum and Lighthouse Tea Bar are open every day for most of the spring, summer and autumn seasons and Thursday to Sunday during the winter months, except for December and January when the Museum is closed.

Access

Several accessible parking spaces on site

Wheelchair friendly access

Easy access to exhibits

Accessible toilet facilities and Tea Room

Baby changing

The Library

The Harwich Museum has a substantial reference library on site that includes many antiquarian and modern books on the history, archaeology and environs of Harwich and Dovercourt. Local original manuscripts, maps and marine charts are also held.

A small study area is sited in Gallery One, with some books and periodicals set on nearby open shelving. This area is freely accessible whenever the Museum is open.

The main part of the library is held on the first floor but, at this time, no direct public access is possible. Books and maps held in the main Library may be examined by prior appointment with the Librarian; lists of the material are in preparation.

The Library resources are divided into several parts:

Harwich and Dovercourt (including surrounding villages and coastline) books, newspapers and maps covering the history, records and events for the local area, ranging from geology and fossils through to the present day.

Essex books and maps covering the County as a whole, including antiquarian titles from the 18th and 19th centuries (and which often include matters directly relating to Harwich and locality); also including sets of Essex-related society journals and magazines.

Some books and publications relevant to the history and topography of the United Kingdom as a whole are also available, with a small number of books and periodicals on more general history and similar topics, with some especially suited to assisting with school or other projects.

In addition, the Library also holds a collection of postcards (ranging from historical to saucy), a photographic archive and a collection of local ephemera and memorabilia.

The Library is always pleased to receive donations of relevant books and papers or for permission to copy documents and images; please email contact@harwichmuseum.co.uk for details.