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Museums from Land’s End to John O’Groats are full of fascinating collections of local history, world culture and fine art, boasting rare objects that offer a glimpse into the past.

These museums, which are often right on our doorstep and free to visit, offer a key to so much of the world and how it has changed over the centuries. From stories of Britain’s industrial power to the ancient cultures explorers discovered in once distant lands.

To celebrate the rich variety of England’s regional museums and galleries, the Museum of Natural History in Oxford is touring one of its most iconic historical specimens across the country: the Oxford Dodo.

Back in 1680 the Dodo was driven into extinction and today the world’s most complete set of Dodo remains is housed in Oxford where scientists are using DNA samples to understand more about the genetics of this almost mythical creature.

For eight-days this June a display model and casts of the Oxford Dodo’s remains will travel the length of the country on a whistle-stop tour of 22 museums, including the Royal Cornwall Museum, the West Midlands’ Black Country Living Museum and Tullie House in Cumbria.

During the tour, Oxford’s Museum of Natural History will be blogging (www.morethanadodo.com) about the rare objects and star specimens found in these regional museums, shedding light on the who, the what and the where, to showcase just how many stories our country’s museums are home to.

To ensure future generations continue to enjoy our museums and their historical collections, funding from the Arts Council is helping museums and heritage sites throughout England become more sustainable businesses. From finding different ways to bring in income, to getting new visitors through the door, and digitising collections so they can be seen by more people.

This week, the National Museum Directors’ Council launched a campaign asking the public to speak up about why museums matter to them.

Talking about why it is so important for us to share why our museums matter, John Orna-Ornstein, our Director for Museums, said: “Museums up and down the country are like our nation’s very own treasure troves. They’re full of extraordinary and often priceless objects that can tell us so much, not just about our own history, but the world around us. If you love your local museums, now is your chance to shout about, to let your local authority, your MP and your neighbours know why you think your museum makes a different in your community.”  

Find out more

Tweet about why you love your local museum

Read today's I Love Museums blog post from our Museums Director, John Orna-Ornstein

Want to know more about why we think museums should be publically funded? Watch our interview with John

Intrigued by the Oxford Dodo? Click here.