Women’s History Month: Edwardian Public Toilets and Social History
The Museum is rightly proud of its Edwardian public conveniences. The building represents a much greater issue in our social history. Had it been erected a few years earlier, there would have been no need for the ‘WOMEN’ sign because public toilets were generally not provided for women in Victorian Britain.
Women’s History Month: The Legacy of Gertrude Jekyll
Every March Women's History Month raises awareness of the contributions women have made to events through history and society. In the first of a series of articles, we're looking at the legacy of garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.
Astleham Manor Cottage garden, apple orchard and Orchard Garden were inspired by the designs of Gertrude Jekyll, who was influential in shaping garden design during the early 20th Century. The geometric layout of the garden is softened by the planting style reminiscent of old English cottage gardens. Gertrude Jekyll pioneered this approach to garden design and it came to characterise many Arts and Crafts gardens.
Community Stories: The Thatched Roof
We look back on the memories evoked by the thatched heritage buildings at the Museum, recorded as part of the Flourish project in 2017.
Chiltern Towns and Villages : What’s in a Name?
Discover the origins of the names of Chiltern towns and villages that once were home to our historic buildings.
The History of Garston Forge and the Martin Family
In years gone by, every town, village and hamlet would have had a blacksmith’s shop at its heart. Here at the Museum, we saved and re-erected a forge from Garston. Find out about the history of the forge and the family who worked there.
Community Stories: What has the Toll House Got in Common with Hong Kong?
What has our Victorian Toll House got in common with Hong Kong? We revisit the Flourish project and hear how life in the toll house reminds Mai Sim of growing up in Hong Kong.
Brush Cutting in the Hidden Meadow
Last week we welcomed volunteers from the Chiltern Society who brought a large group of nearly 30 volunteers to help with brush cutting and clearance in the Hidden Meadow.
Costume Team Update: January 2025
This week our Estate Manager Rachael joined the talented COAM Costume team for a fitting of the wonderful smock they've been creating. These fabulous volunteers have been working on the smock since September and Rachael was thrilled to try it on. We discovered what else they were working on.
Chiltern Rural Life: How Roads Changed Through the Centuries
Before the 18th century, the people of the Chilterns lived in a largely rural landscape of remote villages, hamlets, farmsteads, and market towns along the main roads. Discover how the development of the roads changed travel in the Chilterns.
Community Stories: Temporary Buildings
Discover the stories of the South Bucks Jewish community during wartime and why they feel an affinity to the Nissen Hut at the Museum.
COAM Photography Exhibition 2025
Calling all photographers! You could see your images on display in one of our historic buildings by entering our photo competition.
Community Stories: A Life Crafting Exquisite Furniture
Discover the heritage of some of the people who worked in the High Wycombe furniture factories by reading this Community Story.
Creating a Victorian Smock
Our costume team create a Victorian-style smock for our Estate Manager.
Festive Weekend 2024
Even the terrible weather couldn’t dampen the Christmas spirit at our Festive Weekend on 7 and 8 December!
Celebrating Diwali During Terrific Tuesday
During the October half-term, our Terrific Tuesday family activities celebrated Diwali - the Hindu festival of light.
Our Spookily Spectacular Halloween Fundraiser!
Every year the crowds gather at Chiltern Open Air Museum for our Halloween Spectacular fundraising evening and 2024 was no exception!
Heart of Bucks Grant Supports Accompanied Walks for 2025
Heart of Bucks have awarded a £5000 grant to support our accompanied walks in 2025.
COAM Commended in Tourism Awards
Chiltern Open Air Museum has been commended for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism in the Tourism South East Beautiful South Tourism Awards for 2024-2025.
Groundworks Begin for the 1950s Bandstand
Groundworks begin at Chiltern Open Air Museum for the re-erection of a 1950s bandstand, originally from Finsbury Circus Gardens.
Bringing a Traditional Harvest to Life
Every September, COAM bring the smells, sounds and tastes of Harvests past back to life at our annual Traditional Harvest event.
Finding Us
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB