NB The museum will be closed for the winter between mid-October and the end of March 2025.
This free-to-enter, characterful, volunteer-run museum has been collating, curating and protecting the history of Deal and surrounding area for over 50 years and the building is packed to the rafters with a wealth of fascinating objects and artefacts.
Maritime - the ground floor gallery celebrates Deal’s maritime history. Find out about town’s main industry in the 18th century (smuggling), and the treacherous Goodwin Sands. See the many incarnations of the pier and a collection of lifejackets of national importance.
Local history - the first-floor gallery explores the social, commercial and industrial history of the area. There are old shop signs, a slideshow of visitors enjoying the prom in times gone by, three rare Hooden Horses, a giant shoe and a stuffed rat ‘playing' a flute.
Royal Marines - the stable building houses the Royal Marines display. The Marines have a deep connection with Deal and here you can see uniforms, personal mementoes, pantomime programmes and hear recorded reminiscences.
School groups are welcome - please contact the museum to arrange a visit.
Info Point
Access more information about the museum and gain access to a wider selection of objects by connecting to the Info Point network, which works when you are within the museum, and scanning the QR code with your mobile. A webcam allows visitors with mobility impairments to view the upstairs room and three 3D models - Ratty, Deal Man and the Deal crown - reveal more about the amazing collection.