Back in Time: Reminiscence Memory Box Sessions

Book at a time to suit you or see below for details of our Coventry Libraries sessions Show all dates and times

Share and celebrate memories using photos and objects from the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum collection

£30 per session for Coventry locations, £45 for Warwickshire

Sessions are delivered in the community, at group homes and community settings
Book in advance by emailing lisa.ford@cvlife.co.uk

Our collections include a wealth of objects that can help prompt memories, from toys, games and souvenirs to clothing, schoolbooks, photos and stationery. Delivered in group homes and community settings by our expert learning team, our Back in Time memory box sessions are a great way to take an immersive trip down memory lane, sharing and celebrating reminiscences.

Visits can be arranged on a regular basis, enabling your group to enjoy return visits from our staff, who are trained in dementia-friendly practices. Sessions last between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the needs of the group. Those taking part will have the chance to handle real museum objects from the past, learn more about their history and take part in group discussions. 

Themes to choose from are outlined below.

Beside the Seaside

An opportunity to revisit memories and experiences of trips to the seaside

School Days

Looking back at school days of the past through photos, historic stationery, books and uniform

Britian Since the 1940s

The session brings together a vast range of objects from the museum relating to the home, work and hobbies from the past 80 years.

Toys from the Past

Revisit childhood memories and get hands-on with the museum’s toy collection, spanning objects from before the war right up to the 1990s.

Coventry at War

A range of objects are used in this session to remember the fighting spirit of people during the war and how everyone came together during the difficult time. We have attempted to use objects in this session that will bring back fond memories of time during the war.

Victorian Christmas

Discover the traditions of England from the past and share your own memories and traditions of the festive season too.

Made in Coventry

Through handling authentic Victorian ribbons, pocket watches, cycling and car memorabilia, this session gives a brief history of the industries in Coventry and the birth of its motor industry.

Royal Days

Reminisce about royal occasions of the past as we explore souvenirs and objects made specially to celebrate events involving the royal family.

Time Travellers

This session offers a unique opportunity to explore history through our museum collections. Participants can have fun guessing the age and uses of the older objects presented, as well as reminiscing about the ones they are familiar with!

To book a session or for more information, please contact Learning and Engagement Manager Lisa Ford by emailing lisa.ford@cvlife.co.uk.

Coventry Libraries

In addition to our bookable community sessions, we also run a series of regular reminiscence sessions across Coventry Libraries. These are free to attend, with no booking required, and take place at the following times and locations:

Central Library - Last Tuesday of every month, 11am – 12pm

Tile Hill Library - Last Thursday of every month, 1pm – 2pm

Aldermoor Library – Last Friday of every month, 10:30am – 11:30am

For more information, please contact Learning and Engagement Manager Lisa Ford by emailing lisa.ford@cvlife.co.uk.