Shetland Museum & Archives

The New Year, 1872 and the Truck Commission

The New Year of 1872 began in a special way in Shetland. On the first of January Sheriff William Guthrie began hearings in the Queens Hotel, the Shetland part of a Royal Commission into the truck system. The John o Groats Journal reported that a number of people came forward, some to give evidence, some out of curiosity.

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Welcome to Shetland Museum and Archives

Our Five Star, award winning Museum and Archives is a multifunctional visitor attraction in the heart of Shetland's capital town of Lerwick. Begin your journey through the history of our beautiful islands here, with an enjoyable and interactive visitor experience discovering our world renowned collections. The Museum and Archives is managed by the Shetland Amenity Trust, a small charity caring for Shetland's natural and cultural heritage. It is free to visit the Museum and Archives and donations are welcomed to help the Trust care for the collections and our heritage both now and in the future.

Please view the Scottish Government's guidance on Scottish travel prior to visiting.

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Shetland Museum & Archives are temporarily CLOSED due to a heating fault which has impacted water supply.

Collections

Visitors and researchers can explore the fascinating story of Shetland’s heritage and culture in one place, with access to a wealth of documents and artefacts covering all aspects of the islands' past at Shetland Museum and Archives.

Education & Research

Shetland Museum and Archives offers a comprehensive education programme, with access to workshops focussing on different areas of our collections, and outreach sessions in the community.

Online Resources

Access document and photo archives online, or download a choice of teaching resources, or visitor activitity sheets.

Community Heritage

Shetland’s heritage is researched, collected and exhibited throughout the islands by a network of local museums and heritage centres. Each museum and heritage centre in Shetland is unique, highlighting the various and changing aspects of natural and cultural heritage in each area.

Venue & Event Hire

Shetland Museum and Archives offers first class venue facilities for hire in a stunning dockside location. From conferences and meetings, to weddings or birthday parties, our versatile spaces are suitable for any event.

Visit Us / Book

Shetland Museum & Archives are temporarily CLOSED due to a heating fault which has impacted water supply.

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Photo Archive

Scotland's most extensive photo archive

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Gift Shop

Unique gifts and souvenirs with a heritage theme

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Collections

Explore the Archives and Museum Artefacts

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Crofthouse Museum

Step back in time as you enter the traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse.

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Events

Events and activities during your visit

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Events

Events and activities during your visit

Shetland Museum and Archives are proud to offer a range of events for adults, children and famlies, covering a variety of themes throughout the year. Our own events are detailed below, or see the 'What's On' Calendar for all public events and exhibition listings for the building.

Museum Maritime Scavenger Hunt

05/08/2019
10:00am - 5:00pm
Shetland Museum & Archives

There’s much excitement at Shetland Museum! A number of sea creatures have ...

Laura Kay Boat Trip

05/08/2019
11:00am - 12:00am
Hay's Dock

The Laura Kay is Shetland Museum and Archives modern built, traditional haddock ...

Rope Making at Hay's Dock

05/08/2019
11:00am - 4:00pm
Hay's Dock

Do you know how traditional rope was made? Come down to Hay’s Dock to see an ...

Seagull Engine Demonstrations

05/08/2019
11:00am - 1:00pm
Hay's Dock Boat Shed

Brian Chapman has a fascinating collection of original Seagull engines in ...

Exhibitions

Displays, Exhibitions and Gadderie Shows

There are a number of exhibition spaces and feature display areas throughout the Museum and Archives building. The artefacts and works on display change regularly and details of our current shows are listed here.