Collection
There are many interesting items in our collection relating to farming, folklore, religion, archaeology, domestic bygones, life in the Victorian era, and much more. Our museum is a real 'Cabinet of curiosities!'
Natural History
Meet our impressive leatherback turtle, a favourite with the children! There's a colourful display depicting life beneath the sea, an unusual trigger fish - and you can learn about the flora and fauna of the local area.
Minerals
We have many beautiful specimens from St Agnes mines and there are explanations of the geology of the region.
Mining
St Agnes was once the busy hub of the tin and copper mining industry, as can be seen by the many old ruined mine buildings that remain. See atmospheric photos and the tools of the mining trade - and there are videos about mining that you can sit and watch.
Maritime History
Our rich Maritime History is illustrated by the intricate model of the harbour which was once at Trevaunance Cove; the impressive Lady Agnes figurehead; the first life saving reel, invented by a local man, and information on the Coastguard and the RNLI.
Opie Collection
We have two beautiful portraits by John and Edward Opie, plus artefacts relating to their lives in St Agnes, including John Opie's paintbox.
Family History Library
The museum holds information on many local families, including a list of the graves in the graveyard outside. Situated on the first floor of the museum, our extensive family history records have been reorganised during the winter of 2009/10 and are available for research whenever the Museum is open.
People come to the museum from far and wide to research their family trees.
The Leatherback Turtle
Photo: St Agnes Museum
West Kitty Miners, c1905
Photo: Clive Benney
Lady Agnes figurehead
Photo: Richard Selby