The Museum has four distinct areas for you to discover
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 many artefacts telling Deal’s story, which add depth and colour to our understanding of the past.
The Maritime Gallery
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. New for 2025 – a specially designed kids’ area!
The Local History Gallery
The first floor gallery explores the social, commercial and industrial history of the area. Mining, baking, hospitality, banking and much, much more are covered.
There’s a digital display of local people walking on the prom from the 1920s to the 1960s, there are Hooden Horses and a stuffed rat playing a whistle.
Plus a giant sandal, some fabulous local art and an impressive collection of old shop signs.
The Royal Marines Gallery
The stable building houses our Royal Marines display, which was opened in 2018. The Marines have a deep connection with Deal.
Here you can see uniforms, personal mementoes, pantomime programmes and hear recorded reminiscences.
This is also a display of lifeboat boards donated by the local RNLI, which document the vessels and lives saved over many years.
The Boatyard
Outside, in our courtyard, we have boats, anchors and cannons.
Plus find out about the Deal coat (designed for smuggling) and enjoy our new stage.