Visitors to The Edward Jenner Museum, Berkeley, attending Dr Jenner’s Garden Party on Sunday 16th May will witness Time Travel as Dr Jenner returns to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Eradication of Smallpox as well as his 261st Birthday. He will be joined by more modern recognisable faces such as Prof Mark Horton of BBC Coast fame, invited VIPS from the world of medicine and science and of course our visitors!
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 will be a local craft fair in the Old Cyder House, period music from the Convivio Medical Quartet, tea on the lawn, book signings of the new smallpox book “Angel of Death” by Prof Gareth Williams, and the opportunity to be made up to look like a smallpox victim!
An insight into the wider history of the site will be provided with the help of the University of Bristol’s Prof Mark Horton and Dr Stuart Prior of The Berkeley Project who will explain the significance of the large hole in the museum’s lawn which is believed to be the site of an Anglo Saxon nunnery. The 300 year old Attic Rooms will be open for guided tours (must be booked on the day) where you may catch a glimpse of the Attic Ghost, or you can join in with the special period games on the lawn.
Museum Director Sarah Parker said This special anniversary event will be a mixture of interactive drama, fun and exploration with costumed guides adding to the period feel. An enjoyable and memorable Sunday beckons.
Sarah Parker will be flying to Geneva the following day at the invitation of the World Health Organization to represent the Museum at the unveiling of a commemorative statue for the smallpox eradication anniversary. She will be travelling with a film crew to record the event. On Monday 17th May, Jenner’s birthday, a BBC1 (West) Documentary on Jenner’s life is being broadcast at 7.30pm.
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
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