The Trust for Thanet Archaeology Virtual Museum

Thanet's archaeology has been examined, excavated and recorded by antiquarians and archaeologists for over two hundred years. The story of the Isle of Thanet is revealed by the finds and buildings left by our ancestors, and in the studies of these remains that give them meaning.

The Trust for Thanet Archaeology felt the need for a museum, to provide for the collection, preservation, study, interpretation and display of the archaeology of Thanet, with easy access for anyone wanting to study the material.

The Virtual Museum was opened on the 25th February 2005 and can be accessed through the Trust’s website at www.thanetarch.co.uk. The display of finds and information held by the Trust for Thanet Archaeology and Thanet Archaeological Society in a web-based ‘Virtual Museum’, is the first step in generating a permanent and secure Museum for Thanet’s Archaeology.

Introductions to the finds and sites of each period are accompanied by images of many of the most important finds. Although many galleries have not yet opened fully, the site is growing and the ‘Virtual Museum’ will act as a co-ordinating centre, telling the whole story of Thanet’s Archaeology.

Displays and presentations to the public will provide a more immediate experience of the artefacts, backed up by the information and images in the Virtual Museum. The Trust has developed an education section on the website, and has resources and museum boxes available for schools. In May, the Virtual Museum mounted ‘Timeline’, a successful exhibition at Broadstairs Library in a space normally used to display art works. It is hoped that we can bring exhibitions and presentations to many more unusual spaces in the future.

- Emma Boast

ABOVE: The Virtual Museum is the first step in generating a permanent and secure museum for Thanet’s Archaeology.