We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new exhibition, Beyond Burns: Ellisland’s People. It sheds light on the fascinating lives of the individuals who called Ellisland Farm home after Robert Burns. This exhibition, housed in the byre that Burns himself built, uncovers untold stories of soldiers, doctors, dairymaids, and even thieves who followed in the footsteps of Scotland’s national poet.
Beyond Burns: Ellisland’s People offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of Ellisland, with new information and striking archival images, such as those from the arrival of electricity in 1956—an event celebrated with a special play and pageant.
Among the discoveries are the stories of a teenage servant jailed for theft, a ploughman who survived the Crimean War, and the generations of tenant farming families who worked the land after Burns’s departure in 1791.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore archive film showing life at the farm in the 1950s and listen to oral history recordings from those who lived and worked at Ellisland, or who have played a role in preserving the legacy of this important historical site.
As a place where Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne and Tam o Shanter, Ellisland holds a special place in Scotland’s cultural heritage. This exhibition highlights the broader history that shaped the farm since the poet’s time.
This is our first temporary exhibition, and marks a significant milestone in our efforts to engage new audiences and deepen our connection with the community.
Our Museum Officer, Adam Dickson, has worked tirelessly with colleagues with volunteers, including our young research volunteer Logan Fry, to piece together these stories, and we are excited to share them with you. You may even discover your own connection to Ellisland as you explore the exhibition!
Beyond Burns: Ellisland’s People is supported by funding from Historic Environment Scotland, Museums Galleries Scotland, players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and The Holywood Trust. Their generosity has also enabled us to host community and education events this summer and to acquire equipment that will help us protect the invaluable artefacts in our care.
We invite you to preview Beyond Burns: Ellisland’s People during Doors Open Weekend on the 7th and 8th of September. Following the preview, the exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm, until the 31st of October. Entry, which includes access to the main museum, is £6 per adult, with children admitted for free throughout 2024.
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