EXCITING NEWS FOR THE DIVING MUSEUM.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a grant of £72,814 to redevelop the Diving Museum.
The funds will be used to work collaboratively with the local community to create an accessible and engaging exhibition and learning programme.
They will also enable essential planning for the operation of the museum, and the conservation and management of the unique building in which it is housed – a Victorian military battery, built in 1861 as part of Lord Palmerston’s defences of Portsmouth Harbour; it is the only remaining one of the five original gun batteries. In the 1930’s, the building was given to the Gosport Borough Council who developed is as a civil defence establishment, and Cold War nuclear bunker.
Kevin Casey, Museum Director and Vice Chair of the Historical Diving Society said:
“We’re delighted that we’ve received this support. This project is a huge step forward for the museum, it will enable us to apply for Round 2 funding which will support our plans to make the story of diving accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
We would like to express our thanks to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
