Holyhead Maritime Museum | Amgueddfa Forwrol Caergybi
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The Holyhead Maritime Museum, located at Newry Beach in Holyhead Harbour, is a must-visit attraction for the whole family. The museum was established in 1986 after dedicated efforts by local volunteers. Initially housed in St Elbods Church, it later moved to its current location, a renovated Lifeboat House, in 1998. Built in 1857, the Lifeboat House is the oldest lifeboat station in Wales and holds Grade II listed status. During World War II, it served as an unofficial gathering place for Dutch seamen and marines stationed in Holyhead. Today, an exhibition titled 'Holyhead at War' can be found in the former Air Raid Shelter, which protected the Dutch Navy personnel.
The museum focuses on the maritime history of Holyhead, particularly its connection to Ireland through the Irish Sea. It is entirely run by a dedicated team of nearly 50 volunteers, including trustees, who ensure the preservation and promotion of Holyhead's rich maritime heritage. The volunteers possess extensive knowledge of the subject and happily share their insights with visitors.
The main museum building showcases the maritime history of Holyhead from many centuries ago to more modern times. When the museum was first set up it was realised that many important artefacts, photos and documents were retained by local families but were in danger of being lost as the years progressed. To safeguard these treasures, a call was made to local residents, urging them to contribute items found in their attics, sheds, cupboards, and drawers. These donations have resulted in a unique collection that surpasses the museum's display capabilities.
The museum maintains a computer database to record all artefacts, thanks to the efforts of a volunteer archivist. It has received accreditation against nationally recognized standards and undergoes regular examinations to ensure compliance.
As the local economy increasingly relies on tourism following the departure of well-paid industries, the Holyhead Maritime Museum strives to educate both residents and visitors about the town's maritime heritage. In recent years, the museum has focused on enhancing its visitor experience to contribute more significantly to the local economy. Cruise ship visits have grown annually, benefiting the town's economy.
Despite the museum's success, its main challenge lies in the lack of operating space. Over the years, the collection has expanded significantly, and the museum has outgrown its current facilities. Insufficient exhibition space, storage, library resources, and presentation facilities limit its ability to fully tell the story of the town's maritime heritage. To address this limitation, the museum has developed a detailed business plan to secure funding support. The volunteers remain committed to their mission of preserving the town's maritime heritage and are confident in their ability to overcome these challenges.
As the guardians of Holyhead's maritime heritage, the Holyhead Maritime Museum has been instrumental in collecting and preserving artefacts, educating the public, and ensuring that the town's rich history continues to be shared for generations to come.
For more information about the museum, visit their website at www.holyheadmaritimemuseum.co.uk.
Mae Amgueddfa Forwrol Caergybi, sydd wedi'i lleoli ar Draeth Newry yn Harbwr Caergybi, yn atyniad mae'n rhaid ymweld ag ef i'r teulu cyfan. Cafodd yr amgueddfa ei sefydlu ym 1986 ar ôl ymdrechion ymroddedig gan wirfoddolwyr lleol. Yn wreiddiol, cafodd ei gartrefu yn Eglwys Elfod Sant, ac wedyn symudodd i'w leoliad presennol, sef Tŷ’r Bad Achub a adnewyddwyd, ym 1998. Cafodd ei godi ym 1857 a Thŷ’r Bad Achub yw'r orsaf bad achub hynaf yng Nghymru ac mae ganddo statws rhestredig Gradd II. Yn ystod yr Ail Ryfel Byd, bu'n fan ymgynnull answyddogol i forwyr a llongwyr o'r Iseldiroedd oedd wedi’u lleoli yng Nghaergybi. Heddiw, gallwch weld arddangosfa o'r enw 'Caergybi yn y Rhyfel' yn yr hen Loches Cyrchoedd Awyr, oedd yn amddiffyn personél Llynges yr Iseldiroedd.
Mae'r amgueddfa'n canolbwyntio ar hanes morwrol Caergybi, yn enwedig ei chysylltiad ag Iwerddon ar draws Môr Iwerddon. Mae'n cael ei redeg yn gyfan gwbl gan dîm ymroddedig o bron 50 o wirfoddolwyr, gan gynnwys ymddiriedolwyr, sy'n sicrhau bod treftadaeth forwrol gyfoethog Caergybi yn cael ei chadw a’i hybu. Mae gan y gwirfoddolwyr wybodaeth eang am y pwnc ac maen nhw’n ddigon bodlon rhannu eu dealltwriaeth gydag ymwelwyr.
Mae prif adeilad yr amgueddfa yn arddangos hanes morwrol Caergybi o ganrifoedd lawer yn ôl i'r cyfnod mwy modern. Pan sefydlwyd yr amgueddfa am y tro cyntaf, sylweddolwyd bod llawer o arteffactau, lluniau a dogfennau pwysig yn cael eu cadw gan deuluoedd lleol ond eu bod mewn perygl o gael eu colli wrth i'r blynyddoedd fynd yn eu blaen. I ddiogelu'r trysorau hyn, gwnaed galwad i’r bobl leol, a’u hannog i gyfrannu eitemau o’r atig, siediau, cypyrddau a droriau. Mae'r rhoddion hyn wedi arwain at gasgliad unigryw sy'n fwy nag y gall yr amgueddfa ei ddangos.
Mae'r amgueddfa yn cadw cronfa ddata gyfrifiadurol i gofnodi'r holl arteffactau, diolch i ymdrechion archifydd gwirfoddol. Mae wedi’i hachredu yn erbyn safonau a gydnabyddir yn genedlaethol ac mae’n cael ei harchwilio’n gyson i sicrhau ei bod yn cydymffurfio â’r gofynion.
Gan fod yr economi lleol yn dibynnu’n fwyfwy ar dwristiaeth yn sgil ymadawiad diwydiannau sy'n talu'n dda, mae Amgueddfa Forwrol Caergybi yn ymdrechu i addysgu’r trigolion a’r ymwelwyr am dreftadaeth forwrol y dref. Yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf, mae'r amgueddfa wedi canolbwyntio ar wella’i phrofiad i ymwelwyr er mwyn cyfrannu'n fwy sylweddol at yr economi lleol. Mae ymweliadau llongau mordeithio wedi tyfu bob blwyddyn, gan ddod â budd i economi'r dref.
Er gwaethaf llwyddiant yr amgueddfa, y brif her iddi yw diffyg lle gweithredu. Dros y blynyddoedd, mae'r casgliad wedi ehangu'n sylweddol, ac mae'r amgueddfa wedi tyfu'n rhy fawr i’w chyfleusterau presennol. Does dim digon o le ar gyfer arddangos, storio, adnoddau llyfrgell ac mae’r cyfleusterau cyflwyno yn cyfyngu ar ei gallu i adrodd hanes treftadaeth forwrol y dref yn llawn. I fynd i'r afael â'r cyfyngiad hwn, mae'r amgueddfa wedi datblygu cynllun busnes manwl i sicrhau cymorth ariannol. Mae'r gwirfoddolwyr yn dal i ymrwymo i'w cenhadaeth o warchod treftadaeth forwrol y dref ac maen nhw’n hyderus yn eu gallu i oresgyn yr heriau hyn.
Fel gwarcheidwaid treftadaeth forwrol Caergybi, mae Amgueddfa Forwrol Caergybi wedi bod yn allweddol wrth gasglu a chadw arteffactau, dysgu'r cyhoedd, a sicrhau bod hanes cyfoethog y dref yn dal i gael ei rannu am genedlaethau i ddod.