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Come along to the National Maritime Museum this February half term for a whole host of fun events for families inspired by love, fashion and LGBTQ+ History Month!

From storytelling and singing workshops to maritime crafts and marvellous history, there's something for all ages at the National Maritime Museum this February. The events have been created in consultation with families and are suitable for all ages. 

All sessions are free with no need to book in advance. Check out the full programme below:

15th February - Loving Keepsakes (Drop-in) 
Venue: Learnig Space
Once upon a time, sailors swapped tiny, engraved coins to share love and connection as they travelled across the seven seas. Inspired by these loving keepsakes, you can craft your very own keepsake, celebrating love and identity in all its forms. 

16th to 19th February - City in Suspension (Drop-in) 
Venue: Ocean Map
Design and build your own floating structure and see it become part of a growing suspended city in this exciting architecture workshop. Balance your creation, experiment with physics, and add it to an evolving architectural installation that grows over the week.

16th February - Rainbow Fish (Drop-in) 
Venue: Learning Space
Let's have fishy fun with all the different colours that help people express their identity, pride and belonging! Rainbows are a proud symbol of the LGBTQ+ community, and Rainbow fish are a bright reminder that every colour and identity belongs in our world's oceans. 

17th February - Pride in the Cosmos (Drop-in) 
Venue: Learning Space
A long time ago... in Gbe stories from West Africa, the world was guided by Mawu Lisa, an agender being who held both the Sun and the Moon in perfect balance. This ancient story reminds us that identity isn't binary! 

Create your own Sun and Moon on a stick by decorating one side of a plate as the bright sun and the other as the calm moon, with inspiration from the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition.

18th February - Polari Zines  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Discover the colourful world of Polari, a secret language once used by sailors and the LGBTQ+ community, in this fun, family-friendly workshop. Create your own Polari dictionary zine, match words to their meanings, and invent your own secret language through drawing and play!

 

Make your own Merfolk  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Learn about merfolk myths from around the world in this creative workshop. You'll make your own merfolk using creamy, tactile oil pastels.  

19th February - Pride Peg Dolls  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Dress up a tiny peg doll to take home. Make a mini you and express yourself, or create a character and take inspiration from some LGBTQ+ heroes with connections to the Museum and south-east London.

20th February - Ahoy Matey!  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Did you know why pirates call each other ‘matey'? In the 17th and 18th centuries pirates would sometimes agree to something called ‘matelotage’ – kind of like a pirate marriage! They would promise to share their treasure and money, and vow to fight side-by-side in battle. Create your own ‘matey’ jigsaw necklace to share with your favourite person, ready to grant you and your matey good luck on land and sea.

21st February - Singing Workshop  (Drop-in)
Venue: Rethink Space
Join in to create your very own improvised a capella song! This performance is led by Trans Voices Young Company facilitators and is interactive and participatory. 

Trans Voices is the UK's first professional trans+ choir launched in 2022. Affiliated with world-leading alternative choir London Contemporary Voices, Trans Voices is a diverse group of over 20 trans+ vocalists.

22nd February - Drag Story Time  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
We've heard whispers that Maneeta, the renowned pirate drag queen of the ship Dragged Around London, will be making a pit stop at the Museum this year. 

She's passionate about diversity in her crew and we've heard that she absolutely loves to read stories to kids that encourage them to feel accepted and included on board her vessel. We sent a missive to request her attendance, and we were overjoyed that she accepted the invitation. We're hoping that with enough doubloons she might even treat us to a little song... 

23rd February - Polari Zines  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Discover the colourful world of Polari, a secret language once used by sailors and the LGBTQ+ community, in this fun, family-friendly workshop. Create your own Polari dictionary zine, match words to their meanings, and invent your own secret language through drawing and play!

* Suitable for all ages