Folkestone History Resource Centre

Displaying more of Folkestone’s treasures than ever before, the History Resource Centre is now open! 

The visible store

Get a glimpse of Folkestone’s extensive and diverse collection. From Roman wall plaster and woolly mammoth teeth, to mine detectors and early cameras, not to mention our sixth century skeleton! You will have the opportunity to see it all.

Interested in art?

Look no further. Previously hidden away in the basement store we have moved a massive part of Folkestone’s impressive art collection upstairs to the History Resource Centre. Here you will be able to access the diverse range of paintings and drawings. These include beautiful landscapes and historical views of Folkestone.

Community space

Our History on Wheels carts provide you with the chance to touch real objects, test your knowledge of the early history of our planet and find out more about the important role that Folkestone played in world history. Why not make a group booking to use our Dino Dig and excavate a Tyrannosaurus Rex? 

Opening times

The History Resource Centre is run by staff and volunteers and we aim to have a member of staff or volunteer in the Centre as much as possible. We are working hard to develop our team of volunteers so that in the near future the History Resource Centre will be open throughout Folkestone Library opening hours. Visitors are more than welcome to drop in, but to ensure that the centre is suitably staffed when you visit, if you have any questions or would like to find out more about school and group visits or activities, please contact the Project Officer (see details in 'Contact us').  We also have a number of events planned.

"Investing in your future"

The creation of the Folkestone History Resource Centre was funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the ‘Treasures Revealed’ project.

The aim is to transform the Folkestone History Resource Centre, the Canterbury Art Museum and Library, and the Crypt in Boulogne into animated cultural centres that will attract visitors of all ages and backgrounds.