Chiltern Open Air Museum Awarded Prestigious Heritage Learning Award
Chiltern Open Air Museum are delighted to be named as one of 19 winners for this year’s Sandford Award, which includes a dynamic mix of museums, historic landmarks and an archaeological park, that are all reshaping how we connect with the past.
As the UK and Ireland’s top accolade for heritage learning, the Sandford Award is delivered by Lincoln Bishop University in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and supported by Historic Royal Palaces.
The Award recognises and celebrates organisations that engage and inspire learners through creative and inclusive programmes.
Jon Gibson, Learning Manager at Chiltern Open Air Museum said, “We are delighted to have gained the Sandford Award and to be recognised for the immersive, engaging and fun learning experiences we provide at the Museum. Thank you to our dedicated team of staff and volunteers for giving visiting schools an award winning experience.”
Professor Andrew Gower speaking on behalf of Lincoln Bishop University, said: “As a university committed to heritage education, lifelong learning and the positive difference education makes in the lives of individuals and communities, we greatly value our longstanding partnership with the Heritage Education Trust.
“Lincoln Bishop University is delighted to celebrate the success of the organisations receiving a Sandford Award this year. Winning the Award is a widely recognised mark of success for high-quality heritage learning in action. Many congratulations to the 2025 winners of a Sandford Award.”
The Sandford Award has been providing independent recognition for high quality in heritage learning since 1978, celebrating programmes that go beyond the expected to create transformative learning experiences.
Dr Tracy Borman, OBE, speaking on behalf of the Heritage Educational Trust, said: “This year's award winners represent a rich and diverse range of heritage sites, from archaeology parks to aviation centres, iconic buildings such as Lincoln Cathedral and Kensington Palace to the treasure trove of history that is The National Archives.
“Every single recipient deserves the recognition and profile that securing the prestigious Sandford Award brings and I would like to offer them all my heartfelt congratulations.”
