Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Museum

Aberdeenshire

Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum is located in the centre of the historic fishing village of Johnshaven within the Old Lifeboat House which was established in 1891. Run by a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history and heritage of our local area, the museum offers visitors a fantastic hands-on visitor experience telling the story and history of Benholm and Johnshaven.

Johnshaven has an interesting history and was recently featured in an episode of BBC’s Villages by the Sea. This year the exhibition tells the stories of the bravery of the crews of the Johnshaven lifeboats, the Coastguard, and the Rocket Life-Saving Brigade.

Johnshaven’s past is intrinsically linked to the sea. In the early days of the 18th century Johnshaven was one of the largest and busiest harbours in Scotland. In 1722 Johnshaven had 26 working fishing boats supporting the families of the parish and boats were coming in from Europe to trade. In the past, the people of the village often witnessed the power of the sea and saw ships being wrecked on a regular basis. The dangers of this stretch of rocky coastline were recognised and by 1891 the first Johnshaven lifeboat, ‘Meanwell of Glenbervie’, was housed in the Lifeboat House – which is now Johnshaven Heritage Museum.  

Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Society received funding from Aberdeenshire Council’s Coastal Communities Fund to help curate their latest exhibition. 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI and as part of the exhibition there are stories of the four Johnshaven lifeboats alongside information about the Coast Guard and Rocket Life-Saving Brigade. Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Museum will be open longer during Doors Open Days to allow visitors to view the exhibition, entry is free and friendly volunteers will be there to answer any questions. There is a dedicated children’s area with child friendly information, activities and a scavenger hunt to help keep children entertained. 

Facilities

• Disabled Access
• Disabled WC
• WC
• Events For Children