Lynne Minett appointed as new Group Leader for Barnsley Museums
Barnsley Museums has announced the appointment of Lynne Minett as its new Group Leader of Heritage and Museums. A role that will see Lynne head up the award-winning Museum services, leading on its ambitions for the future.
Lynne is currently Head of Learning at the National Railway Museum in York, where she is responsible for public engagement including adults, young people, families, communities, and school’s programmes.
Lynne’s achievements include leading a new learning strategy focused on developing engineering skills and building city-wide, community, and rail industry partnerships. This has recently culminated in the opening of Wonderlab, a £6 million interactive gallery for 7–14-year-olds and the first milestone of the museum’s masterplan transformation. She is also a trustee of the Heritage Education Trust and is an established mentor within the museum sector.
Lynne has extensive experience working across the education, museums, and heritage sector, managing projects and teams. She began her career teaching history in Barnsley, later volunteering at Cannon Hall, and it was there she developed an interest in how heritage and museum collections could inspire creativity in young people.
She moved to the National Coal Mining Museum working on the development of Hope Pit and expanded the learning programme for schools and families. Later, she joined English Heritage working across the North of England to develop the learning and engagement strategy at a varied portfolio of historic sites and with a wide range of partners.
Joining the National Trust, Lynne worked at Nostell to enhance the visitor experience across the landscape, building a new range of successful events and local community engagement to bring the site to new audiences.
The appointment comes at an exciting time for Barnsley Museums, who last year celebrated record visitors figures of almost 2 million across their five attractions. They have also secured significant funding for a range of projects that will see improvements to the historic destinations, as well as improving the visitor experience, particularly for families and young people.
Lynne said: “For nearly twenty-five years, I have lived in Pennine Yorkshire enjoying the contrast of rolling hills and industrial heritage which has shaped the landscape and built communities. Barnsley has a proud and unique heritage cherished by its local people and this is cared for by a dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers. I'm looking forward to leading this team, building on the existing cultural excellence in the borough, and working with council and community partners. Barnsley is ambitious in its plans and I am excited to contribute to and shape this promising future.”
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Our Museums go from strength to strength, attracting millions of visitors from the region and beyond. We're delighted that Lynne is joining us to head up this outstanding team. We’re sure her wealth of experience and knowledge will help us achieve our exciting ambitions for the future, placing Barnsley more firmly on the map.”
For more information about Barnsley Museums visit www.barnsley-museums.com