Sole Stories: explore the Shoemakers Museum
Join the SW Museum Fed at Shoemakers Museum in Somerset on 29 January 2026 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Opened in September 2025, Shoemakers Museum is Somerset’s newest family-friendly visitor attraction. It celebrates the Quakers, the shoemakers and stories behind Clarks shoes in the place where it all began in Street, Somerset.
Together, we’ll stitch together the stories of how the team brought the museum to life and discover their plans for the future.
We’ll start the day at 1pm with a talk and Q&A from Museum Manager Sam Cullen and Collections Manager Nicky Dowding. From endangered wildlife to historical discoveries, Sam and Nicky will give us the inside scoop on the winding pathways of this challenging and exciting project. Next, we’ll have a guided tour of the new museum, with lots of opportunities to ask more questions. We’ll finish with time for networking and catching up with our SW Museum Fed peers.
Tickets are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment!
We programme events and online talks throughout the year to showcase heritage and museums work across the Southwest, explore issues and share learning from across our sector. Events and online talks, with the exception of our AGM, can be attended by both members and non-members.
Each in-person session is hosted by a different organisation in the Southwest and includes a site visit plus exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Our online talks take place on Zoom and feature speakers from both within and beyond the region. These sessions focus on a specific topic, project, or experience designed to inspire our work, share learning, challenge current practice, and ultimately support a heritage sector that is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
All events include time for Q&A so participants can explore the subject in more depth. Please note that in-person sessions have limited capacity, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Attending our events
All event tickets can be booked through Ticket Tailor and are open to both members and non-members. Members receive discounted tickets, and concession rates are available for students and those who are unemployed. Joining SWFed is free and members receive a monthly e-newsletter with sector updates and information about upcoming events.
Some events will be free where we have sponsorship, while other events may require a higher entry fee.