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Frank Galvin Awarded MBE in Kings New Year Honours

Frank, as he is known, joined the team at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House just before the second phase of the restoration work at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. In his career Frank was a museum curator, and took on the role of curatorial advisor alongside others at the House. Dubbed the ‘House detective’ Frank was on site most days during the restoration and could often be spotted in his blue hard hat.

Frank later joined the Board and became Chair from 2015-2022. He continues to volunteer at the House with practical maintenance jobs including conservation work, as a tour guide and speaker, and was the accreditation mentor for the House’s successful application to become an Accredited Museum in 2024.

Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd, Director of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House; ‘This Honour is testament to the many years of exceptional service that Frank has given Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and many other heritage organisations. It is fitting for us that he should receive this award during our 10-year anniversary year, as he has played such an integral role in ensuring the ongoing success and development of the House.’

Frank has given his time and practical skills to a multitude of historic sites and projects in and around Manchester over the past 40+ years. He has played a vital role in making the region’s varied heritage accessible to a huge number of people from local visitors and community groups to international tourists. During his professional career at Stockport MBC from 1979-2011 Frank was instrumental in opening several new museums and visitor attractions, including opening the Stockport Air Raid Shelters to the public.

Frank also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Bahamas Locomotive Society in Ingrow in Yorkshire, an organization he has volunteered with since 1990; and since 2000 he has also been involved with the Mellor Archaeological Trust in Stockport, as a volunteer Curatorial Adviser and a Trustee.

The Honours system gives national recognition to people who have given exceptional service in public and community life and are committed to making a difference to those around them.  

As part of the 10-year anniversary celebrations Frank will be giving an online tour and talk about the restoration of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House on Wednesday 2 April. Tickets £15.
For more information and to book https://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/events/restoration-tour/

You can also find out more about Frank’s involvement in restoring the House in the current exhibition – Elizabeth Gaskell’s House from Dereliction to Delight