The Museum in More Detail
The Museum which opened in July 1991 as the first of its kind in the town, has become over the years an affiliated outpost of the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, where the majority of the Trimontium finds (labelled 'Newstead') are housed downstairs in the Early Peoples section. Iconic objects, like some of the helmets from the Curle excavation in 1905-10 are loaned to the Museum each season to celebrate the Centenary.
In 1995 a replica well was constructed of actual stones taken from a Roman well, discovered in the 'rescue' excavations in advance of Melrose Bypass Phase III. A replica Roman Newstead saddle by the master craftsman Peter Connolly was bought by the Trust, together with a replica Roman military armguard made in curving bronze strips and goatskin. Remnants of armguards have been found at a very few sites, including Trimontium. The saddle is fitted on a gym 'buck' - Bucephalus - facing a full-length mirror, and young visitors are encouraged to mount, see themselves in action, and obtain a Trimontium Cavalry certificate of proficiency, signed by the Master of the Horse.
Since 1995 the Trust has operated The Trimontium Walk, linking the exhibition to the site and its wonderful views and atmosphere, by a guided walk and souvenir leaflet, every Thursday afternoon from April to October (on Tuesdays as well in July and August) via the South Front of the Abbey, the Prior's Walk to Newstead, a loop round the Trimontium fort, annexes, amphitheatre, memorial stone, river crossing and Victorian railway viaduct, and tea in the village hall before returning to Melrose.
Over the years very good contacts have been built up with schools which send classes to undertake the interactive Route March from the Leaderfoot Bridges (Tripontium) to Newstead Millennium Milestone and thereafter tour the Museum, ending with a sword demonstration and costumes.
All year round arrangements can be made directly with the Honorary Secretary for visits by groups of any age and interest.
The Museum hosts a twice per year series of public celebrity lectures - three before Christmas, and three in March - which are published in the Trust's annual newsletter and on this website and which are free to Members. The Walter Elliot book on 'The Story of Trimontium' (which won the Robertson Award in 1995 for a publication of its type) is also sold at the Museum and the academic publication on the 1989-98 excavations by Bradford University is patiently awaited during the Curle Centenary, so as to provide the opportunity for a conference on that report.
Details of membership of the Trust Garrison are available entitling you to free entry, the newsletter and the weekly Trimontium Walk, the six annual lectures and the Trust outings to sites.