The Great Moss exhibition moves to Annan
Written by Kevin Rennie on September 4, 2013
A fascinating touring exhibition opens at Annan Museum on Saturday 7 September. The Great Moss reveals the story of one of the largest areas of raised bog in Europe – the internationally important Lochar Moss. The exhibition investigates the human and natural history of this area of peatland, focusing on archaeological finds and its unique ecology, including its carbon storage potential.
The items on display will range from a Bronze Age stone ball and an Iron Age lignite finger ring to 20th century peat bricks, peat cutting spades and drainage tiles . An electrotype of an Iron Age copper alloy torc, produced by metal plating a mould of the original, along with flints and arrowheads found in the Lochar Moss have been specially loaned for the exhibition by National Museums Scotland.
Exclusive to Annan Museum will be information from new research by local history expert, Jim Hawkins, into families involved in drainage projects carried out during the 19th and 20th century development of peatlands for agricultural use.
As part of the exhibition there will be activities for children, including Iron Age outfits to try on and gallery quizzes to take part in.
As part of the funding available for this exhibition we are able to offer several fun learning sessions for visiting school classes. Terramundi Theatre has developed an interactive workshop which involves storytelling, puppets and a giant jigsaw wall. These sessions are on Monday 9 September and Tuesday 10 September, and any schools that are interested in taking part should telephone Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374 or e-mail Dumfries.Museum@dumgal.gov.uk to book a session.
To coincide with the exhibition Annan Museum will also be hosting a talk on Bog Bodies in Dumfries and Galloway on Thursday 26 September at 6.30pm. Local archaeologist John Pickin will explore the story of human bodies in the bogs and peatlands of Dumfries and Galloway. Where were they found, how old were they and why were they buried in the bog. And where are these bodies today? All are welcome to join John on this grisly journey into the region’s ancient past, but numbers are limited so please call Annan Museum on 01461 201384 to book a place.
The exhibition will run from Saturday 7 September to Thursday 31 October and admission if free. Annan Museum is open 11am – 4pm Monday – Saturday.
