The Making of our Museum
St Mary's Church
The museum is located within St Mary's Church. Whist the church was rebuilt between 1825-1827, it was founded during the 6th century. The old church houses a unique collection of maritime artefacts which tell the story of the ships that were built locally, the sailors and captains. In the graveyard surrounding the church are just some of the many graves of thee sailors and captains, from Nefyn and the surrounding area. A survey and register of these graves has been undertaken by Gwynedd Family History Society (Register Number M146).
To see more photos - click here
History of the Redevelopment
The museum was founded in 1977 by a group of local volunteers who wanted to showcase the areas rich maritime heritage. However in 2000, the museum was forced to close on the grounds of Health and Safety.
In 2007, members of the community came forward and formed a new committee to reopen the museum for the benefit of visitors and the local community. A funding package was successful which included grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Assembly Government, Tir a Môr fund, AONB Llŷn, Nefyn Town Trust, Gwynedd Council and the Cyfenter fund.
The museum will house a permanent exhibition, stage for small performances, research space and a cafe and shop. The museum is of free entry to encourage multiple visits. A varied programme events is planned which will include guest lectures, activities for children, temporary exhibitions and opportunities to volunteer and work experience.
The redevelopment work started in the autumn of 2012 with the construction of a new roof and ramp to enable disabled access. Sensitive and sustainable development has taken place including the installation of insulation, new windows and floor, and an Airsource heating system.
During the construction work, the strengthening of the foundations, archaeologists were called in due to the discovery of an ancient cist burial. For more information and to watch the film 'The skeleton in the wall'
The Cist Grave and Skeleton - click here
The Redevelopment
The renovation work got underway in the spring of 2012 with the re-roofing of Saint Mary’s Church. This was work was paid for with grants from the Llŷn AONB, Nefyn Town Trust and CADW.
In the spring of 2013, a new disabled ramp was built. It was funded through a CADW Our Heritage grant and financial support from the Cronfa Tir a Môr landfill fund. The ramp was designed to resemble the rails aboard a ship’s deck.
In September 2013, the construction company started work in the museum itself. This included a programme of insulation, the laying of a granite floor and path towards the gate, installing an office and kitchen , putting in new windows and repointing work on the church and tower. The project was funded through a package of grants including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Welsh Government Community Facilities and Activity Programme.
During the renovation work, some underpinning work was done in order to stabilise the walls and roof, and this was when the cist grave and skeleton were unearthed, in November 2013.
To see more photos - click here
