Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum has been formally welcomed to The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s affiliate partnership scheme.
With a shared history dating back to the 18th century, where warships were built on the Beaulieu river using oak from the New Forest the two museums look forward to developing new stories together on the people that built the Royal Navy’s ships and the importance of the New Forest to the RN.
The official partnership was signed at a ceremony on board D-Day veteran HMS Medusa (above) at Buckler’s Hard. Medusa, a harbour defence motor launch, saw service on D-Day in 1944 and is another happy affiliate member of The National Museum. She was visiting Buckler’s Hard for the Whitsun Bank Holiday. Bucklers Hard was building service vessels during the Second World War and played a large role in D-Day preparations
Buckler’s Hard Museum Director Mary Montagu-Scott says: “We are delighted to be strengthening our ties with the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Many ships were built on contract for the Royal Navy at Buckler’s Hard – including the 64-gun Agamemnon (a favourite of Admiral Nelson) in 1780, 36-gun Euryalus in 1803 and 74-gun Swiftsure in 1804 – and we continue to share that story with visitors to the Maritime Museum.”
Director of Partnerships, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Commander Tim Ash says: “We are delighted that the Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum has become an affiliate. It will strengthen understanding between our work, and we look forward to developing new stories together on the people that built the Royal Navy’s ship’s and our relationship with the New Forest.”
The RN Museum’sexpanding affiliation scheme brings together independent museums and organisations that have important naval heritage. Affiliation links the museum heritage to better explain the British naval story and to also share visitor activities, teach new skills and promote work together.