The Manx Aviation and Military Museum had another record year in 2024 as it welcomed over 8000 visitors.
Numbers have risen steadily since it was opened in 2000, with a marked increase in visitors with 7500 by March of 2024.
Last year, it was followed by a further 8% growth leading to the year’s total of 8089.
Record Year
Museum Director Ivor Ramsden said: “We are delighted with the growth in our visitor numbers; not only that but the increasing number of appreciative comments and top-ranking on-line reviews that we receive.
“This is not only due to the superb range and quantity of exhibits that are on display but also to the warm welcome that our volunteers give to our visitors and I really do appreciate their enthusiasm.”
Museum Director Ivor Ramsden.
The museum’s First World War exhibition has been widely acclaimed as one of the best of its kind, with many people praising the very personal nature of the displays.
Ivor explained: “You can read about the First World War in the history books but they don’t tell you the story of the ordinary people who were involved.
“That’s what we do – tell the stories of ordinary Manx people, the fishermen, farm workers, horse tram conductors, who served and in many cases never came home.
“Their medals and treasured objects tell their stories and whenever possible we include a photograph which really makes you realise that these were real people.
Museum Director Ivor Ramsden.
“It wasn’t only people who went to war; hundreds of horses were taken from the island’s farms and even from the Douglas trams to go to the battlefields. We only know of one war horse which came home and her story is in there.”
Museum Costs
Donations from visitors and the profits from a small but well-stocked shop go towards keeping the museum running.
The museum isn’t resting on its laurels and Ivor explained that there are plans afoot to extend the display areas.
He also remarked that the museum is always looking for new people to get involved, whether in welcoming the visitors or in maintenance.
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