STORIES FROM THE COLLECTION
The Cynon Valley Collection, is the story of our valley from the earliest times to the present day. It is the story of you, your family and friends and the people of the Cynon Valley. Each object in the collection has a story to tell, ‘Stories from the Collection’ takes a look at the objects which make up our collection, shining a light on the individual stories which make up the history of the Cynon Valley.
The Mountain Ash Choir: Hands Across the Ocean
From White House, Washington to Council House, Mountain Ash With changes in the US Presidency this year, the White House has been very much in the centre of world politics. Built between 1792 and 1800, this iconic building may seem very remote to us, yet in 1908 it had an interesting connection with the Cynon […]
The Festival of Britain 1951 in the Valleys
This blog post tells the story of local celebrations linked to the national Festival of Britain 1951, through objects in our collection such as a theatre safety curtain and paper dresses. In 1951, six years after World War Two, Britain was still recovering from the social and economical effects of wartime. The Festival of Britain […]
‘Scargill Valley’: The 1984/5 Miners’ Strike
This blog will focus on an item in our collection used for industrial action, particularly the miners’ strike of 1985/85. The Penrhiwceiber Colliery Lodge banner beholds the story of a group of militant pit workers supporting the National Union of Miners (South Wales Area). The national context During the 1980s, the British coal industry was […]
Shepherds, Foresters and Buffaloes: The Friendly Societies of Aberdare
The Museum’s Church and Chapel case contains one of the most striking displays in the gallery. Among its many treasures is a splendid collection of Friendly Society regalia, medals, collars and sashes. Friendly, or benefit societies, generally called clubs, are very early examples of the working class organising itself into unified movements through such institutions. […]
CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN
SOUTH WALES
What do you know about the Co-operative Movement in Wales?
Follow this interactive historical timeline and learn about the origins and developments of Co-operative Societies in the Cynon valley, accompanied by objects from our collection.
Co-operative societies in the Cynon Valley were the first of their kind in Wales.
Through objects in our collection, discover the origins of The Cwmbach Co-operative Society, the increase in trade and success, and the subsequent amalgamation between the societies.
The Aberdare and District Co-operative Society became the largest society in South Wales and was also known as the ‘spiritual centre of co-operation in Wales.’
Through objects from the collection, discover the history and economic and social impacts of the Aberdare and District Co-operative Society.
NOS GALAN
Join us as we experience a day in the life of a competitor in Nos Galan, the annual road race event which takes place in the town of Mountain Ash. We will take you on this journey through objects belonging to the Cynon Valley Museum’s collection, you can learn of the history, structure, and traditions of this fantastic local event. Follow this link for the full exhibition.
This year Nos Galan is a little different. It will be taking place throughout December, allowing participants to complete the 5km in their own time and post their results online. To celebrate this year’s virtual Nos Galan, we have a daily digital Nos Galan countdown, showcasing the objects in our collection that relate to this local event throughout the years. Follow this link to count down with us!
JEWISH HISTORY FROM THE CYNON VALLEY
Join the Jewish History Association of South Wales and take a step back in time for a virtual walking tour of Aberdare’s Jewish History. Do you remember any of these people or businesses? Follow this link for the full exhibition.
Do you remember any of these businesses? Jacobs and Sons Ltd, Jane Cooper, Aberdare Furnishing Company, The Record Salon, M Sugarman and Sons and Victor Freed’s? They were all run by Jewish families. Research by JHASW has revealed their history. Follow this link for the full exhibtion.
Victor Freed business, described as the complete house furnisher’s and musical instrument dealer’s. Opening in 1904 the business expanded and by the 1950’s had spread across South Wales. This is the life of Victor Freed told through the collection at the Cynon Valley Museum. Follow this link for the full exhibition.
Morris Jacobs clothed the people of the Cynon Valley. Starting out as pawnbroker Morriss would move and expand his buisness becoming famed as a draper for all people. This is his story told through the collection at the Cynon Valley Museum. Follow this link for the full exhibtion.
Make an object donation
to the Cynon Valley Collection
The historic collection held at the Museum is under the legal guardianship of Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC. For this reason, Heritage Service Staff have the responsibility for accessioning new items to the collection.
If you have an object you wish to donate to the Museum, please use our contact form to get in touch. There is a small team of volunteers who undertake an initial assessment of the object(s) and may get in touch with you further to discuss this. The decision for new acqusitions is made by the RCT Heritage Service, who are based at the Rhondda Heritage Park. Staff from the Heritage Service are at the Cynon Valley Museum once a week.
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