Museum project’s £35,000 target

Negotiations are taking place with Harrogate Borough Council for the lease of the ground floor of the former Castle Girls’ School.

The body behind the exciting plans, Knaresborough Museum Association, say the next eight weeks will be crucial to the success of the scheme and has launched crowdfunding.

Kathy Allday, Chairman of KMA said: “After all the depressing news in 2020, I feel Knaresborough is going to have a great year this year and what could be better than establishing a new museum that celebrates the town and its people?”

The new museum will celebrate Knaresborough’s history and be a companion to the Court House Museum and Castle, creating a cultural quarter for the town.

The Crowdfunder launch on Thursday January 14 has already been given a huge boost towards the £35,000 target from Sir Graham Hall.

Kathy added: “Sir Graham has always championed industry in Yorkshire and was the first Chairman of Yorkshire Forward.

“Sir Graham and Lady Hall are both very supportive of the Museum project and have generously donated £5,000 to kick start the Museum’s fundraising campaign.”

Sir Graham said: “The Knaresborough Museum initiative is a tremendous example of a community based project and will undoubtedly make a significant difference for all the stakeholders in our wonderful town.  

“I wholeheartedly support their project and wish them every success”

Kathy thanked the couple and said: “Our costs for setting up the museum are significant and this donation allows us to make the first real steps towards reaching our goal.”

KMA’s marketing guru Rachel Auty has designed the Crowdfunder and come up with an enticing rewards scheme offering free membership, invites to the grand opening and other perks for potential donors.

The money will be put towards a variety of costs including designing and creating a series of exhibition spaces in the museum to tell the story of Knaresborough from earliest times to present day.

People can donate at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-us-make-a-new-museum-for-knaresborough.