Tales, Traditions and the Unexplained
Thursday, October 29th 2026 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Shetland Museum and Archives
Join us for a special evening of folklore, superstition and storytelling...
Discover the stories, voices and mysteries preserved within Shetland Museum and Archives through archive displays, themed gallery tours, live performance and a special talk from our Archives team exploring the lives and legacies of two renowned Shetland storytellers. Visitors can also view intriguing records from our collections, including messages from the beyond, witch trial transcripts and tales from Shetland folklore, alongside unusual artefacts rarely put on display.
The Museum Galleries and Archives will be open throughout the evening (with a brief closure of the Archives at 7.30pm when guests will be invited to hear a short talk from the Archives team). The Hay's Dock Café area will also be open selling light refreshments throughout the evening.
Programme:
6.30pm | Doors Open
6:45pm & 7:45pm | Live performance directed by Izzy Swanson
A 'frightful' adaptation of the popular performance The Crooked Finger, blending folklore, mystery and mischief.
Run Time: 20mins
7:15pm & 8:15pm | Tours After Dark
Join our Visitor Experience Assistants for a guided tour of the Lower Gallery after dark, exploring the folklore, beliefs and mysteries woven through Shetland's collections.
Run Time: 20mins
7:30pm | Voices from the Past: Brucie Henderson & Clement Williamson
Join the Archives team to explore the lives and stories of two remarkable Shetland men. Discover Brucie Henderson, the renowned South Yell storyteller whose tales drew visitors from across Shetland, and Clement Williamson, the Scalloway photographer, astronomer and local historian whose interests extended even beyond the grave. Hear their voices and stories first-hand through archive recordings, and discover how their memories, folklore and local knowledge enriched Shetland's storytelling tradition.
Run Time: 30mins
9:00pm | Museum Close
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Category: Family Events, Gallery Talks
