Collecting is a very enjoyable, but essentially private activity. Most collectors want to share their collections with others, and at some point, might think about setting up a museum of their own, or giving the collection to a museum.

But museums are much more than collections of collections: they ensure that artefacts are properly cared for, conserved and made accessible through research, exhibitions and programmes of education.

Before setting up a museum, however short-lived, you should consider where it will be exhibited? Who will look after it? You should also remember that quite valuable items are sometimes donated and you might have to seek specialist advice on their care (see below).

It will also be important to establish whether the items are given or lent (and for how long), and also whether valuable items are covered by school insurance.

You may like to ask your pupils to consider:

• Who will visit the museum: younger children? People with disabilities? Parents? Or will it be limited to other members of the school?

• Who knows of anyone who might give or lend suitable items.

Developments

Why not visit your local museum to see how it solves the various practical problems pupils themselves will be addressing. You may like to use the activity sheet.