This famous museum was founded 75 years ago by Dr.Marie Stopes. She was both the museum's first curator, and the pioneer for birth control. The museum is housed in two picturesque thatched cottages, one of which was the backdrop for the heroine "Avice" in Thomas Hardy's novel, The Well Beloved - the cottage was his inspiration for her home.
The museum complex features The Portland Gallery, which exhibits related articles to Portland's history, curiosities and folklore. Whilst visitors to Marie Stopes 17th-century cottage will enter a world full of Portland Island's maritime history which shows its sea-faring traditions, smuggling and shipwreck through a series of exhibitions. There is a core of artefacts and pictures relating to the Island's proud past. At ground floor level you can explore the life and work of Dr. Stopes, as well as learn of the traditions of the Court Leet and the Royal Manor of Portland.
Visitors are able to while away a pleasant hour in the garden, here amongst a fascinating collection of fossil's and other masonry artefacts, there are tables and chairs where you can enjoy a picnic in the open air.
The museum features permanent displays of Roman pottery, tools, uniforms, and the unique Rosette Gem. Shipwreck exhibitions cover centuries of human story, with models, data, maps and recovered treasure from around Portland's rugged coast.
This is a wonderful place to visit, it offer something for everyone whatever age, and is especially interesting for the great pioneering work of Dr. Marie Stopes.
a Seaside Town in the county of Dorset
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a Seaside Town in the county of Dorset
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in the county of Dorset
(7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NW)..
in the county of Dorset
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