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.
Italian Catering Businesses in the Cynon Valley
The old Italian cafes of Valleys’ towns and villages evoke images of cosy, friendly, and warm establishments where you could go with friends and family to relax, eat, and drink. Many of us have such fond memories. You would have an authentic, homely experience far removed from the corporate coffee chains dominating our communities today. […]
Miners’ Safety Lamps: A Local Product
The museum has safety lamps on display with miners’ tags and other equipment. Only equipment to the layman, but essential and lifesaving to miners who see these artifices as symbols of the bond they shared in their former employment which they would never forget. The safety lamps produced by E. Thomas & Williams started as […]
Women Supporting the Miners
From the onset of mining history, women were involved with the mining industry in their support. Female activists in the mining community protested alongside their husbands, fathers and brothers to oppose pit closures. Women held fundraising events and toured around the UK and Europe to get the message across about strike action and the impact […]
Pamela ‘Mother’ Shepherd, 1836 – 1930
International Women’s Day is 8th March each year. This is the opportunity for us to consider the contribution to the public life of a woman who had an enormous influence on the Aberdare area who has perhaps been forgotten: Pamela ‘Mother’ Shepherd 1836 – 1930, who brought the Salvation Army to the Cynon Valley. In […]
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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