Unearthing HISTORY

One woman and her partner are sharing their remarkable discoveries with the public

- KATE CHAPMAN

Technology is advancing rapidly, however, that doesn't mean the machines of yesteryear don't have an important part to play in our lives today, believes Rosie Hourihane. Rosie runs the Museum of Technology: The History of Gadgets and Gizmos, in Throckenholt, near Spalding, Lincolnshire, with her partner Trevor Cass. Here they exhibit thousands of rare and unique items dating from 1850 to 1980.

Their collection traces the progress of telegraphy, telephony, warfare and communications, as well as scientific and domestic electrical equipment, which they use in reminiscence therapy - helping people with dementia by accessing long-term memories - and to wow younger visitors.

'We have a lot of unique things here, although it's a little bit niche!' says Rosie, 77, a former secretary. 'We have some great resources for the older age groups, and run reminiscence sessions, where care homes and dementia groups can come in and look at our memory boxes and prompts. We remember the things our grandparents had and used, and we're able to talk about those with people.' 

Visitors come to the museum, where they feel comfortable and able to let all their emotions free, remembering these items. 'The memory is very powerful. Going through the boxes people are always saying "I remember having this" or "My nan had one of those", Rosie explains. 'It also allows us to teach the younger generations about the items, helping them understand the relevance of older people in society and how today's technology works.'