Social History

The social history collection reflects the history and development of Northampton and the surrounding county from 1600 to the present day. Much of the material highlights what it was like to live and work in the town and county with local industry and working life well-represented including the toy and motorsport industries. There are links to our shoe collection through objects from the Northampton shoe industry. The collection is open to donations and is governed by a policy, which helps to ensure that the collection is relevant to visitors.

Where to see the social history collection
Some of the collection is on display at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery in the History of Northampton Gallery 2. Abington Park Museum displays social history in the Cradle to Grave Galleries. Social history features often in our temporary exhibitions.