If you've ever considered volunteering, we welcome you to join our large friendly team at times that suit you.  We also have a modern multi-purpose space - popular for talks, events and exhibitions.  Please contact James Thatcher marlipins@sussexpast.co.uk .

Marlipins Museum, at 36 High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, is a fascinating combination of old and new, with one of the oldest lay buildings in Sussex linked to a modern two-storey annexe, completed in 2004.

The permanent displays concentrate on our important maritime past and the local history of this part of Sussex.  The Archaeology Gallery looks at the Shoreham area from early prehistory to medieval times, including exciting new discoveries from Ropetackle and from Marlipins itself.

Upstairs the story of the Adur area continues, showing local agriculture, domestic life and the major 20^th century themes of the Shoreham Film Industry (once the hub for 'silent movies' in the UK), Shoreham Beach, the Airport and wartime.

Also on view is a section of the original 12^th century wall and a mysterious pit built into the old masonry - which may have been a strong room but is equally likely to have been a privy! At the bottom of the pit, the archaeologists found a cat skeleton, one of four on site.

It is a friendly environment with well informed people on site to look after our visitors, so come and see for yourselves.

The popular Friday Coffee Mornings are run throughout the winter by the Shoreham Society. The 2009 season runs from May to October.  The doors are open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Disabled access: There is an easy way in through the new entrance down the side of the museum on Middle Street, and we have a lift that allows wheelchair access throughout the museum. There is also a wheelchair accessible toilet.

Sussex Past is grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Adur District Council and Viridor Waste Management Ltd for help with funds to construct the new annexe and two new galleries, completed in 2004.