Our Heritage Collection

Discover and explore our collection of fascinating objects that tell the stories of local life in Havant throughout history.

• Explore our 1950s re-created kitchen filled with voices of the Kenwood community

• Discover the past glory of the Hayling Billy train line with displays, films and an interactive model

• Explore fascinating facts about famous local brands, including Scalextric, Tampax and Kenwood

• Enjoy the beauty of hand-painted Royal Doulton wall tile panels that once adorned the walls of the Havant War Memorial Hospital children’s ward

Don’t miss our Family Museum Activity Trail: explore our heritage collection through a series of fun creative activities. Activity books are available from our Box Office and are £2 each.

Find out more about our Research Room and Genealogy support here.

Three children engaging with a museum exhibit, looking closely at a colourful, interactive display mounted on the wall. One child in a pink coat holds a book while observing intently, accompanied by another child in an orange jumper and a third child partially visible in a green jumper. The setting is bright and inviting, with additional posters visible in the background.

An elderly woman with white hair and glasses, wearing a bright red top, sits at a wooden table in a well-organised archive or library. She is engrossed in examining a large, open book with aged pages. Around her, there are various folders and documents, including a pink box filled with booklets and a large red binder labeled 'Archives'. Behind her, white shelves are filled with books, binders, and storage boxes.

Lead photo (c) James White Photography. Supporting photos (c) Jasmine Aurora

Arts Council England – Accredited Museum

As an accredited museum The Spring “demonstrates a commitment to managing collections effectively for the enjoyment and benefit of users.”

The accreditation is the nationally agreed standards to ensure all museums are sustainable, focused and trusted, inspiring the confidence of the public and funding and governing bodies.

Hampshire Cultural Trust

Our main collection is on display thanks to our partnership with the Hampshire Cultural Trust. The Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.

Their mission is to provide great arts, heritage, museums and creative programming, working closely with local and national partners, and placing communities, our collections and their stories at the heart of everything they do.

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Textile Book of Remembrance

Working with local professional textile artist Margaret Marks and members of the local community The Spring commissioned a textile book of remembrance to recognise the contribution many played in the First World War.

Check out the project

Threads of Freedom

Threads of Freedom, a unique textile artwork created by local people. The work brings together stitched words, drawings, and fabric pieces made by residents across Havant, reflecting what freedom means to our community—past and present.

Check out the project