Learn about Deal's intriguing maritime history and its people, at the Maritime and Local History Museum. A unique tourist attraction and educational facility for local people in the heart of the Deal, Dover and Sandwich, Kent area.
Please note that the Museum is currently closed to visitors. Please check back to this page for updates about Museum opening hours.
"The best kept secret in Deal", the historic Maritime and Local History Museum has been in existence for over thirty years.
Run by volunteers, the Museum is hidden on what has been described as a back street (just like the British Museum!). It is located in the Conservation Area, just off the High Street in the town centre, between the Town Hall and St George's Church in Deal, Kent.
Deal Maritime and Local History Museum is a fascinating collection that gives a real insight into the daily lives of Deal people and their relationship with the sea.
The Museum traces Deal's maritime history and includes displays of historic boats used locally, including the Deal galley 'Saxon King'.
There is an extensive collection of model boats, ships' figureheads, and the only two known examples of 'stern boards' from two of Captain John Willis' ships (of Cutty Sark fame, a one-time resident of Deal, Kent).
The Museum also exhibits fascinating artefacts including lifebelts, certificates and other historic memorabilia from Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown's famous life-boats.
Educational exhibits include the history of the Cinque Ports, ships' pilots, three piers, three castles and the Royal Marines, as well as other historic maritime treasures.
Deal Maritime and Local History Museum has a local history gallery dedicated to Deal's local families, industries and the artistic and social life of the town. These include displays of views of Deal in Kent by Moses, Roget and many other well-known artists.
The historic boat yard area contains displays of cannon, more boats, an anchor field and a typical beach scene of the Deal, Kent area.
In 2007, two new boats were acquired for display in the historic boat yard. One is a Deal punt built in the 1890's, the second participated in the Dunkirk evacuation, a twin-prowed lifeboat from the ferry Southend Britannia and similar to the boats used by smugglers in the eighteenth century.
Deal Maritime and Local History Museum is a suitable venue for educational and family visits. Both adults and children will find it both informative and evocative of Deal's intriguing history.
During past seasons, special educational exhibitions have been held in the Museum's exhibition gallery, including:
WEDDING DAY - Dresses from the Salter Costume Collection, which featured wedding dresses worn by local people,
THE NEWEST PIER - a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the building of Deal's current pier, featuring photographs extending from the initial construction to its restoration, by the world-renowned local photographer Harold Chapman
Deal Maritime & Local History Museum features weekly in 'Those were the Days', the local history page of the East Kent Mercury, using illustrations and educational information from the extensive Archive Collection.
The local history archives are available for educational research by appointment.
The historic museum premises are available for educational school and group visits during the day or in the evening. All enquiries should be made to the Museum Secretary on 01304 373684.
Opening Times:
1st May - 31st October:
Monday - Friday, 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 11.00am - 5pm. Closed on Sunday
Entrance; Adults £2; Concessions and children £1.
Please mention
The Best Of Dover, Deal & Sandwich
when visiting Deal Maritime and Local History Museum