Welcome to Erewash Museum and Gardens
The museum is a Grade II listed Georgian house with stables and converted hayloft. The site has a range of facilities including permanent and temporary exhibitions, café and gift shop, courtyard and gardens.
A Brief History of Erewash Museum
The earliest history of the site dates to 1598 when the Duke of Rutland was the first copyholder of a building and grounds on what is now Erewash Museum.
The oldest part of the current house dates to the latter half of the eighteenth century, where the house passed between different families after leaving the Duke’s ownership.
In 1806 John Dalby became the copyholder of the house, renaming it to Dalby House. The house was then available to rent from 1809, with a notable renter living in the house from 1862, Dr G.B. Norman, a Victorian GP.
The house was occupied by the Normans until 1882 when the Dalby family sold the house to the Maltby family. The Maltby family were extremely important to local industry as they ran local lace factories where many people of the borough worked. The house remained in the family until 1946 when it was purchased by E.G. Wilson, changing the name to St George’s House. Many people will remember Michael House School which then operated out of the building.
Erewash Borough Council bought the house and gardens in 1980 where it was then transformed into Erewash Museum. The house has had many different lives which is reflected across the site.
About the Team
The museum has a committed friendly team of staff who contribute to the running of the museum. The team manage a large programme of events and activities, look after and develop the collections and exhibitions, manage volunteer recruitment and ensure a safe, secure and friendly environment at the museum.
If you need to get in contact with staff, please head to the contact us page.
Volunteers
Our museum relies on an amazing team of volunteers that help with a wide range of activities, including maintenance and gardening, craft activities and events, collections and running the Dalby House Café.
There are many ways you can get involved as a volunteer, to find out more go to the support us’ page.
Access
The ground floor of the museum is accessible with lifts, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets. As a Georgian building, access to the first floor is limited (currently stair only) but touchscreen monitors (on the ground floor) provide additional information about the house and area.
The museum has limited parking available including one accessible bay. The nearest public car park is East Street Car Park. Additional car parking options can be found on the council’s Car Parks Page.
Seating is available in each gallery for visitors. The Museum does not offer cloakroom or lockers, but pushchairs can be left at the entrance area if needed.
Assistance dogs are welcome onsite.
A quiet space and sensory backpacks are available at the museum – please speak with staff for details.
Large text for gallery spaces can be available on request (please contact in advance of your visit).
There is a reception desk upon entry to the museum where staff are happy to help and answer any questions.
Erewash Borough Council are committed to ensuring the museum is a safe and accessible space for everyone and is continuing to make improvements to develop access options.
Contact us using the contact form