Queen Street, Deal, looking towards Broad Street (early 1900s)
OUR MISSION
There’s nowhere else like Deal. It has been pivotal in many UK events throughout history. Thankfully, it still retains its historic heart. Deal Museum provides opportunities for individuals and families to explore, enjoy and be inspired by the past in and around Deal, and will promote learning and research at all levels. Ours is a shared history, and one we are keen to preserve for future generations. We welcome involvement and contributions from the community and seek to celebrate the area’s rich history with all.
Deal’s town motto is Adjuvate Advenas: “Befriend the Stranger”
“Deal Museum is a kindly, inclusive space, welcoming both the curious and those without curiosity at all. The latter will be satisfied, because there is so much to see, and the incurious could be amazed by the sheer attention to detail and the clever displays, each telling a different narrative of about, who, where, why, when, and what occurred in the rich history of the town of Deal. From smugglers to merchants, from press gangs to shopkeepers – how this town did bad and made good, not always in the same order. Smashing place. Don’t miss it.”
Frances Fyfield, Author and Deal resident
Our collections
For over fifty years, our volunteer-run Museum has been collating, curating and protecting the history of this fascinating town and surrounding area. We have artefacts telling Deal’s story, which add depth and colour to our understanding of the past.
Maritime
Our ground floor gallery celebrates Deal’s maritime history. Find out about town’s main industry in the 18th century (smuggling), and the treacherous Goodwin Sands. See the many incarnations of the pier and a collection of lifejackets of national importance.
Local History
The first floor gallery explores the social, commercial and industrial history of the area. Mining, baking, hospitality, banking and more are covered. There are interactive quizzes, two Hooden Horses and a stuffed rat playing a whistle.
Royal Marines
The stable building houses our Royal Marines display. The Marines have a deep connection with Deal. Here you can see uniforms, personal mementoes, pantomime programmes and hear recorded reminiscences.
We need your support
Your support is vital and helps the Museum catalogue, preserve and share the collection.
