Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at The Wee Museum of Memory

We know the phrase gets overused sometimes, but this week’s post is a perfect example of a ‘hidden gem’. A popular attraction at Ocean Terminal is the Royal Yacht Britannia. However, tucked away in the centre is another fascinating place to visit that many locals know about, but might not be known to visitors. However, we think it is the perfect attraction for locals and visitors alike. So, join us as we head to the Port of Leith and visit the Wee Museum of Memory.

Conveniently reached by tram from the Edinburgh city centre, Ocean Terminal has a fascinating mix of retail, leisure, and dining options. As I mentioned in the introduction, many people go to Ocean Terminal to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. However, we are writing this post in the hopes of getting more visitors to also make a stop at the Wee Museum of Memory.

The Wee Museum of Memory is run by the charity, The Living Memory Association (THELMA). On their website, they state that “we believe that sharing memories helps us connect, revealing what makes each life unique while highlighting what we all have in common”. They further explain that “Our Wee Museums of Memory are welcoming spaces where people connect through hands-on reminiscence. Visitors are encouraged to explore and handle heritage artefacts—a sensory approach that can be especially valuable for people with dementia, helping to unlock distant memories”. We know that many people are affected by dementia, and the work that THELMA does is a wonderful support for individuals, their families, and caregivers. Yet, even if you aren’t affected by dementia, the Museum is a fascinating place to get a better understanding of the more recent history and culture of Edinburgh.

Their main location is located on the first floor of Ocean Terminal. However, they currently have a small exhibition on the ground floor called, “Away for the Messages”. Now, many of readers might be confused about this phrase, so let me explain. In Scotland, the phrase, ‘Away for the messages’, means you are going shopping- usually for groceries. This wee exhibition is a lovely look back at shops and retail heritage from Edinburgh with a mix of photos and artefacts.

Let’s now head up to the first floor of Ocean Terminal for a look at the Wee Museum of Memory. The Museum is situated in an old Superdry shop, but the space- with its dark wood walls and spotlights- works surprisingly well for the displays and artefacts.

There are an interesting mix of sections that visitors can explore to remember times past. What we love about the Museum is that it is very much a hands-on, interactive experience. For example, you can sit and read the books and magazines in the area (pictured below) that has been created to feel like a lounge (living room).

There’s also an area where you can sit and listen to music or play an instrument.

When we visited, they had a temporary exhibition called ‘Dear Miss Stagg’. The exhibition explains that the National Vigilance Association (NVA) was formed in 1911. “The aim of the Association was to help vulnerable girls and young women and agitate for legal and social reform”. In 1915, Miss Katherine Stagg was the Secretary (a position similar to director) to the NVA. “Many of the girls who came into contact with the NVA wrote letters to Miss Stagg to inform her of their progress or to ask for further help”.

The exhibition goes on to outline how the NVA helped approximately 700 girls and young women between 1915-1925 who were “in need of maternity care and childcare or employment and accommodation. This support was funded almost entirely by charitable donations”.

What is particularly interesting is that they repurposed the old fitting rooms in a very creative way. Each fitting room had letters from and information about one of the girls that the Association helped. The stories are an important part of our history as they are “firsthand accounts of the lives of ordinary girls and young women in a time of war, disease and no welfare state”. We found the exhibition moving and poignant.

Here are some more photos from our visit to the Wee Museum of Memory:

Even if you can’t make it to Edinburgh, we highly recommend that you check out THELMA’s online photo archive which is part of ‘Edinburgh Collected’ (run by the City of Edinburgh Libraries). I could get lost for hours exploring the over 5,000 images in this online scrapbook. The time and energy that goes into creating such an archive is incredible, and we are grateful that they have digitised so many photos.

Well, we hope that you have enjoyed this trip down memory lane via the Wee Museum of Memory. If you are visiting Ocean Terminal for any reason- especially for those who are going to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia- please take the time to stop and visit this fantastic museum. The work that they are doing is crucial for so many people affected by dementia and for their families as well. However, we think it is a great experience for all ages- especially children to help them see what a bit of what daily life was like in the not-so-distant past. You can visit their website for more information on their hours as well as how you can support them.

Until next time- Explore & Discover!

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