Visitors to The Edward Jenner Museum, Berkeley, attending Dr Jenner’s Garden Party on Sunday 16th May will be excited to learn that they will be witnessing Time Travel as Dr Jenner returns to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Eradication of Smallpox as well as his 261st Birthday. In what will be the museum’s biggest event of the year the May weekend will be marking the 214th anniversary of the first vaccination on Friday 14th May and Jenner's Birthday on Monday 17th May.
Generously sponsored by The Royal Society who celebrate their own 350th Anniversary, the Garden Party is joining in the world celebrations of the eradication of smallpox with visitors invited to explore Dr Jenner's former home with the help of a smallpox nurse, a barber surgeon, servants and the great man himself. There is something for all the family: a craft fair in the Old Cyder House, period music from a string quartet, refreshments, and the opportunity to be made up to look like a smallpox victim!
Also on offer an insight into the wider history of the historic site, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period and possibly beyond with the help of members of The Berkeley Project from the University of Bristol who will start their annual dig on the following day. A display of finds from the garden will show how much has been learned about what took place on what is believed to be the site of an Anglo Saxon nunnery.
The 300 year old Attic Rooms will be opened up to explore (must be booked on the day) and you may catch a glimpse of the Attic Ghost, or you can join in with the special period games on the lawn. A great day out beckons!
Children arriving at the Garden Party dressed in 18/19th Century costume will get free entry, normally £2.50 and for adults it is £5.00.The gates open at 11am on Sunday May 16th and will close at 5.30pm. The Joint Tickets with Berkeley Castle are not valid for this event but may be used on normal museum open days.
For more information see www.jennermuseum.com or call 01453 810631
