Dunbar Histories Day

Now in its second year this event highlights the incredible depth of Dunbar's history with a series of talks, tours, workshops and demonstrations. The events take place in the Town House Museum, John Muir's Birthplace, The Ridge Support Centre, The Legion and Lynxhead Arts with tours around the town centre including the harbour. Local businesses also support the event with displays and workshops. Remember our High Street Museums are open all year round and there are a number of self guided walking tours also available (visit the See & Do section of this website).

HISTORIES DAY PROGRAMME

Join us and celebrate our historic High Street with a programme of  walks, talks, demonstrations and workshops with lots of free children's activities. Workshops and walking tours should be booked through our eventbrite link.

VENUE: DUNBAR TOWN HOUSE

FREE Entry, open 11am - 5pm

Visit the museum all day or in the afternoon take a guided tour of this fascinating building which has been the focus of town life since the 16th century. Crafting and colouring for children all day. Pick up (or buy) copies of self guided walking tours too.

Programme of Talks (FREE: DROP IN)

11am Alasdair Swan ‘A History of Dunbar’s harbours through the ages’

12 midday Pauline Smeed  ‘The story of Dunbar Town House’

2pm Arran Johnston    ‘Soldiers of 1650’

3pm Gordon Easingwood    ‘Fishing and commerce in Dunbar’

Walking Tours, all start outside the Town House (FREE BUT BOOKING REQUIRED)

11 WALKING TOUR, Historic Dunbar David Anderson (Free, 1 hour) Book here

12 WALKING TOUR, Dunbar Harbours, Alasdair Swan (Free, 1 hour) Book here

1.30pm WALKING TOUR, Historic Dunbar with Stuart Thompson (Free, 1 hour) Book here

2pm WALKING TOUR, John Muir’s Dunbar, with Jo Moulin (Free 1 hour) Book here

3pm WALKING TOUR, Historic Dunbar with David Anderson (Free, 1 hour) Book here

EXHIBITION

Catriona Simpson - a nostalgic look back at Dunbar’s beloved outdoor pool. Though long gone, the pool remains alive through cherished memories and historic photographs. Artist Catriona Simpson explores how memory shapes identity and our sense of place through a new collection of oil paintings. 

Linking the High Street with the Harbour, do you ever wonder how fishing nets are repaired?  - Gordon Easingwood of the Dunbar History Society and retired fisherman shows us how.

From 2 - 4pm there are free GUIDED TOURS of the Town House Museum, taken by members of the Dunbar History Society.

DEMONSTRATIONS OUTSIDE THE TOWN HOUSE MUSEUM

The Pearl of Dunbar Harbour Trust Community Project restoration of a traditional sailing boat. A chance to see the progress on this charming project.

Leadworking talk, demo’s and taster sessions with Stephen. All Day Drop In outside the Town House 10 – 4pm         

Come and find out more about leadwork. Stephen will be showing how to detail and install a lead dormer surround, the demo will include how to work the material and explain how to use the correct fixing techniques.

From Sundials to planters there will be a display of decorative lead castings, and their sand moulds for you to look at. Stephen will be talking through his projects and will be on stand by for any questions from the audience.

Slate Roofing Demo and Taster Sessions with Lewis. All Day Drop In outside the Town House 10 – 4pm         

Come and find out about different types of roofing  slates and construction techniques. Lewis will have a collection of different historic slates for you to look at and will be on stand by to answer questions about your roofs . There will be all day slate roofing demo’s and an opportunity to make your own slate coaster. Bring your questions.

Mosaic Taster Session and Fresco display. All Day Drop In  10am to 4pm

Discover the art of mosaic, learn a few simple techniques, and create your very own handmade coaster to take home. No experience needed—just pop by, get creative, and enjoy a hands-on activity inspired by local heritage. Kat will also be talking about her fresco project and you can sign up for one of the classes happening during Dunbar Civic Week at the end of August.

VENUE: JOHN MUIRS BIRTHPLACE, 126 High Street. FREE Entry, open 10am to 5pm

Find out about John Muir's life as a pioneering conservationist, explorer, writer, geologist and inventor.  Crafting and colouring for children all day.

VENUE: THE RIDGE. Open day at the support centre 11am - 4pm

Entrance to the Support Centre is via Garden Lane which is situated between Flux (80 High Street) and The Found Gallery( 84 High Street).

11am - 4pm GUIDED TOURS  of the new support centre and Backlands Garden

11am - 12.30pm WORKSHOP, Robyn Wade, Dukes of West Barns Book here

2.30 - 4pm WORKSHOP  Anna Davis, “Medieval Dunbar” Book here

11am - 2.30pm CRAFTING AND COLOURING with Nurture Baby and Me CIC and Families Together (FREE)

VENUE: LYNXHEAD ARTS (WORKSHOP, BOOKING REQUIRED)

Art workshop tbc

VENUE: THE LEGION (FREE, DROP IN)

2 - 4pm Programme of old films of Dunbar, open for refreshments.