A pop-up exhibition introducing the history, people and social history of Bennerley Viaduct will be held at Erewash Museum.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the fascinating structure, the impact of the railways on the area, and the people who built, used and preserved the Iron Giant.
The exhibition, by the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, will be held from March 11-25 in the Hayloft. On Saturday March 18, between 11am and 3pm, there will be a free bridge building challenge alongside bridge-building games for families, suitable for ages 5-11. There will also be STEM Challenges with LEGO and other building blocks.
A memory sharing morning will be held on Saturday March 25, between 10am and 1pm. People will be able to share stories about Bennerley Viaduct, take their photos or artefacts along, see the exhibition and chat with volunteer historians. At 2pm there will be a talk called A Bridge into Victorian Railway Social History, by historian Kate Crossley. There is a £3 charge to attend. Admission is free for Friends of the Museum.
Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:
“It is great to see the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct sharing their passion for the popular viaduct with Erewash Museum. This is set to be a fascinating exhibition and I hope lots of people will visit the museum next month to find out more about the Iron Giant and take part in some fun activities with their children or grandchildren at the same time.”
Rebecca Morris-Buck, project manager at Bennerley Viaduct, says:
“Our exhibition, made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will share the viaduct’s history and that of the people and communities that are part of the Iron Giant’s story.
We are happy to be celebrating the significance of this remarkable survivor from our industrial past and its new place at the heart of the community. We’d like to thank the Erewash Museum team for all their support, and welcoming us into their brilliant museum.”