Bethan's Rock: Beloved exhibit returns to museum

The museum said Bethan's "selfless gesture" had made a lasting impact

When Poole Museum reopens visitors will once again be able to see Bethan's Rock - a treasured stone donated by a five-year-old girl - alongside its other artefacts

The rock became a popular exhibit after the museum placed it in a glass case, complete with its own "Bethan's Rock – 2019," label.

Bethan, now 11, said it was given to her by her late grandmother, "who was the one who found that rock... it's really special to me because of her".

The museum's curator Gary Edwards said: "Treasures don't have to be rare, they don't have to be significant to everybody it's about the deeper meaning connected to those objects."

Visiting the museum to see her rock in its new spot, Bethan described the day six years ago when she visited the museum with her mum.

"I had brought my rock with me so I thought I'd donate it as I thought it was special," she said.

"So I went up to the desk on the way out and gave it to them."

She said her mum told the museum staff: "'You don't have to do anything with it... just smile and wave' but then a few weeks later we saw it on display."

The rock and its story captured the imaginations of visitors and people on social media sites after photos were shared of the humble little rock on display.

Museum curator Gary Edwards said the rock showed that "treasures don't have to be rare"

The museum said Bethan's selfless gesture "had made a lasting impact on our museum".

Its curator Gary Edwards said: "Bethan's Rock is one of those items that really highlights that museums are about people.

"People's stories and treasures don't have to be rare, the don't have to be significant to everybody it's about the deeper meaning connected to those objects.

"Bethan's act of kindness has touched the hearts of people all over the world and it emphasises that essence of curiosity that makes museums what they are."

Poole Museum, in the Lower High Street in the Old Town area of Poole, is currently reopening in phases and is due to open fully after its £10m revamp in the coming weeks.