There has been a Salt Museum in Northwich for 120years. The original museum was established by Thomas Ward & John Brunner two local salt proprietors who felt that Northwich needed something to explain its importance as the “salt capital of the world”. John Brunner and Thomas Ward donated the Northwich Salt Museum and Library to the town in 1889. The Museum was originally in a building with Northwich library, which ironically subsided as a result of the salt extraction. The new building of 1909 still houses Northwich Library & the title over the door remains. In the 1970s the Cheshire County Council acquired Weaver Hall and the museum moved into its current premises. The building had been built as Northwich Union workhouse and then became an old people’s home. Weaver Hall opened as the new Salt Museum in June 1981 after major renovation work. The display area has greatly increased in the years since then and the collection has grown to include much social history and archaeology in addition to material connected to the salt industry. Today the museum still shares the aim of the original founders in telling the story of local people's endeavours and explaining the Cheshire salt industry to people visiting the area.The workhouse itself was built in 1839 to a standard design by George Latham who also rebuilt nearby Arley Hall. In its heyday, the various wards could accommodate up to 300 inmates. In 1892 the building was extended which included new offices and the new Board of Guardians’ meeting room. It later became the Weaver Hall Old People’s Home until 1964. Many of the workhouse buildings were demolished in the 1960s leaving the Grade II listed building which we still see today. Today's museum has displays exploring the history of the Northwich workhouse and people visiting at weekends or school holidays can also gain access to view the old workhouse boardroom.Examples of some original photographs from the museum collections