Selection of photos, postcards and illustrations on a white table.

Seaside stories

Dementia and reminiscence

Seaside Stories are onsite reminiscence programs for people with dementia and their carers.

These programs aim to promote story sharing, and to encourage social interaction and connection.

Lady wearing a straw hat and dark vest reading an old ship menue featuring a colourful painting on the cover

During the themed, hands-on reminiscence sessions, visitors can touch and hold museum objects. Museum educators (trained in dementia communication) ask questions and guide discussion. Participants are encouraged to share their personal recollections, stories and experiences in a safe and welcoming space.

The program includes morning tea at Ripples café. Visitors can enjoy coffee and a baked treat, while meeting new people and soaking up the beautiful views of Sydney Harbour.

The program concludes with an educator-led tour of the exhibitions. Tours are carefully planned to cater for participants’ sensory preferences, and mobility needs. Portable seating is available throughout the tour.

After the program, participants can explore the museum at their leisure. All areas of the museum and café are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, due to the vessel design and walkways on the vessels, wheelchair access is

Cost: FREE

Duration: 2 hours (including morning tea)

Group size: up to 16

For more information, please email bookings@sea.museum 

Photos and postcards, a compass and old camera on a white table.
Lady with blonde hair and glasses holding a metal bucket and showing it to a man with dark skin and grey hair.
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Current program options

Select from the range of topics currently available to see objects relating to diferent areas of our rich maritime history. 

Swimming and the beach

Be immersed in Australian beach culture; share your memories of swimming and visiting the sea; and hear the story of Kay Cottee’s circumnavigation of the world on an educator-led tour.

A woman wearing a strapless swimsuit with loud floral print, modesty skirt and wedged sandals. She is holding a glass in her right hand. A man wearing a matching beach jacket and trunks in the same loud floral print, also holding a glass. Next to him a man seated in front of a round table with two jugs. He is holding a glass in his right hand and looking at the couple. He is wearing a matching beach jacket and trunks in a floral and geometrical print.

Suitcases and travel

Share your memories of travel, holidays and migration while holding museum objects from cruises, plane flights, camping trips and more. Take a tour through the Passengers exhibition and hear stories of migration to Australia.

Cream suitcase with maroon trim and handle, and a checked pattered lining

Ships and ropes

Touch ropes, compasses and binoculars. Recall times spent on ships, boats and watercraft and go on a guided walk along the waterfront.

"Wonderful, friendly staff. Engaging reminiscing sessions and guided tours through the exhibits.

Can’t think of anything to improve on the program

THANK YOU. It was very valuable. It sparked so many memories and stories."

Program participant

Accessibility

Find out more about accessibility at the museum

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