Discover Chelmsford's Past, One Object at a Time

10am: Begin at the Beginning

Start your visit by exploring Chelmsford's earliest stories through The Story of Chelmsford galleries. Our collections reveal evidence of life in the area stretching back thousands of years. As you move through the galleries, you'll encounter archaeological discoveries that help tell the story of how people lived, worked and settled in what is now Chelmsford.

Highlights include:

• Archaeological treasures from across Chelmsford, including The Great Baddow Hoard, in our current exhibition Timeless Treasures

• Prehistoric discoveries and Ice Age stories

• Chelmsford’s Roman history

• Anglo-Saxon discoveries, including a royal burial

• Locally discovered artefacts

• Natural history collections that help explain Chelmsford's changing landscape

11.30am: Follow the Evidence

Take time to examine the details of our collections. Archaeological finds, household objects, photographs and personal stories all provide clues about how people experienced daily life across different periods of Chelmsford's history.

Ask yourself:

• How has this area changed over time?

• Which stories are still visible in Chelmsford today?

• What can ordinary objects tell us about extraordinary lives?

Our collections celebrate the diverse stories of the people who have lived and worked in Chelmsford, helping us understand both the similarities and differences between past and present communities.

Pick up a free visitor guide

Our Visitor Guides, available for free from our front desk, contain our top 10 objects to explore along with a map of the museum. This is a great way to get to know our museum and our history while exploring at a leisurely pace, discovering more as you go.

12.30pm: Pause and Reflect

Take a break at The Hive Café, where you can enjoy lunch, coffee or cake while reflecting on your morning discoveries. With views across Oaklands Park, it's an ideal place to browse your notes, discuss favourite objects or plan the rest of your day.

1.30pm: Explore Beyond our Galleries

Oaklands Park itself offers an opportunity to think about the layers of history that surround us, as well as revealing more about the home of the museum, Oaklands House. Interpretation boards dotted around the park tell more of the story of our home and why it is so well loved.

The park includes:

• Historic surroundings

• Rose gardens

• Open green spaces

• Quiet areas for reflection

• Opportunities for photography and sketching

2.30pm: Discover the Stories Behind Modern Chelmsford

Before you leave, revisit any galleries that particularly captured your imagination.

Many visitors find that our museum changes the way they think about Chelmsford. Streets, buildings, communities and local landmarks take on new meaning when viewed through the lens of hundreds or even thousands of years of history.

Browse our gift shop before you leave, where you'll find publications, souvenirs and gifts inspired by the museum's collections and stories.