Behind Every Great Man is a Woman, Ground Floor of Normanby Hall

7 March 2026 – 4 January 2027

This exhibition highlights six women whose stories have been overshadowed by those of the Sheffield men. Use the touchscreens in the rooms on the ground floor to discover stories of marriage to save a family, gambling, war service and more.

Harold Astwood’s Watercolours, Exhibition Gallery, First Floor of Normanby Hall

7 March 2026 – 4 January 2027

Harold Astwood (1907-1984) was a talented watercolour artist living in Scunthorpe. This is a display of his beautiful paintings from the 1960s and 1970s, mostly showing local landmarks.

Harold Astwood’s Sketches, Small Costume Gallery, First Floor of Normanby Hall

7 March 2026 – 4 January 2027

Between 1973 and 1975, Harold Astwood sketched various pieces from the costume collection. Some of these objects are on display here, alongside the sketches that Harold created.

Vermuyden400, Ground Floor of the Rural Life Museum, Living on the Land Gallery

28 March – September 2026

The first of a series of exhibitions commemorating the 400^th anniversary of the signing of the contract between King Charles I and Cornelius Vermuyden, starting the process of draining the Isle of Axholme. This exhibition will look at the Isle of Axholme, its people and the way they lived before 1626, as well as what the changes through drainage of the land meant for them. Vermuyden400 is a series of exhibitions and other events throughout 2026.

A Gallus Un by Tracy Satchwill, First Floor of the Rural Life Museum

28 March – September 2026

Contemporary artist Tracy Satchwill has been commissioned to create an art installation for the Rural Life Museum. The project draws on rural folklore and dialect stories collected by local folklorist Mabel Peacock (1856-1920). It explores superstition, feminine power and strange countryside wisdom. The installation features stitched banners, sound and symbolic materials.