About Us

The Museum of Dartmoor Life is a Charitable Trust founded in 1978. The Trustees are appointed by the Dartmoor Museum Assocation which is the Governing Body.

The Trustees are supported in running the Museum by an excellent core of volunteers and a part time manager. The Museum's initial collections were inherited and donated in 1982 and the growing collection required the establishment of a permanant building that was acquired in Okehampton. Major building development and conservation works were undertaken in the 1980's and gallery refurbishments in the 1990's provided increased space and facilities for displays, events, research and storage for the growing collection. In 2005 the Museum underwent major renovation and modernisation which was funded by the Heritage Lottery, local and regional authorities and local charities. The Museum is still partly funded by grant giving organisations to ensure its continued exsistance.

The Museum premises consist of a three story former Warehouse and Mill which were originally used for domestic and industrial purposes which date from the 19th Century. The Mill houses the museum whilst other range buildings in the courtyard are used as a Victorian Tea Room and the Tourist Information Centre.

The museum provides a number of services to visitors, groups and the local community:

• Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions.
• Events, including: Guided Tours, Family Days, Talks, Workshops and Courses.
• Research Facilities and Services on the History of Okehampton and Dartmoor Genealogy.
• Information Point for Devon Record Office.
• Loan Boxes for Shools and Groups.
• Work Experience and Placement Opportunities for School, Further Education and Higher Education Students.
• The John Young Gallery for exhibitions of local art.
• An outlet for local crafts and artists.