Hip hip hooray! We’re delighted to share that the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum has received museum accreditation in 2026. That means our wee museum with the big story has been officially recognised for caring for its collections, welcoming visitors, and planning for the future. Cue the bunting, the happy dancing, and possibly an extra celebratory cup of tea.
Posts filed under Museum Collections
Celebrating world's first Carnegie Library
In 1881, Andrew Carnegie decided to visit his birthplace in Dunfermline to give his ageing mother a possible last visit to her native Scotland. The visit was also important for another reason - it was namely when the foundation stone to the first ever Carnegie Free Library was laid. Here is a story from our archives about this joyous day.
Deciphering stones!
In May this year, we had a visit from Dr Katie Strang who came to see what type of stones, rocks and fossils we have in our collection. This blog tells the fascinating story of one of these fossils…
Two Andys
June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world. Our blog today focusses on a gay artist who was one of the inspirations behind the artwork that was specially created for our collection in 2019.
A Boy and his Hero Uncle
Andrew Carnegie wrote in his Autobiography: “I may mention here a man whose influence over me cannot be overestimated, my Uncle Lauder. He possessed an extraordinary gift of dealing with children and taught us many things.“ Find out more about this fascinating man from this guest blog by Jack Pryde.
Dunfermline Tapestry
In celebration of Women’s History Month, this month’s blog will take a closer look at the Dunfermline Tapestry, woven by a group of local women thirty years ago.
Into the woods
This month’s blog focusses on four wildlife photographs in our collection - with a very fascinating backstory!
What’s in a Frame?
In celebration of soon approaching Burns Night, let’s take a closer look at this peculiar portrait of Burns from our collection.
Andrew Carnegie and Booker T. Washington
Those who have visited the museum may have spotted the display board mentioning Andrew Carnegie’s support of African-American education, and one of its leading figures, Booker T. Washington. In recognition of Black History Month (UK), let’s find out more about his achievements.
Behind the Layers
This artwork, painted by local artist Andrew Blair in 1860, hangs in our museum’s refreshment area (this is the route connecting the birthplace cottage to the museum hall). If you have visited our museum before, I am sure you have walked past it countless times.
