The British Association of Friends of Museums, BAFM, is here to help, encourage, inform and advise friends, supporters and volunteers of museums, galleries, and other cultural organisations in all sections of our UK heritage.

We support local Friends’ groups, keep them informed about items of benefit, and provide a network to help share problems and solutions.

Read more about BAFM

BAFM events

BAFM 51st AGM & CONFERENCE 2024

In partnership with the Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum Conference Theme: Great Exceptions: Friends supporting museums in these financially challenging times. Dates: Friday 4th - Sunday 6th October 2024. We look forward to welcoming you in Wisbech, a charming historic town with over 100 listed buildings, a fine Georgian Crescent, Peckover House, Octavia Hill's Birthplace House, The National Army Cadet Force Museum. The mid-19th C. Wisbech Museum displays, amongst other treasures, Charles Dickens' original manuscript of Great Expectations.   CLICK ON 'Read more' LINK BELOW FOR THE PROGRAMME AND BOOKING FORM  Read more ...

BAFM news

Partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust continues to grow

Jan 27, 2025

BAFM is pleased to announce that the Marsh Charitable Trust has agreed to continue their involvement in the Friends of the Year Award in ...Read more ...

Winners of the Friends of the Year Award announced at Wisbech

Jan 27, 2025

BAFM were pleased to announce the winners of the Friends of the Year Award at the 51st BAFM Conference in Wisbech. There were six ...Read more ...

BAFM Conference 2025

Sep 13, 2024

The British Association of Friends of Museums are pleased to announce that The Friends of Bristol Museum, Archive and Galleries will be hosting the ...Read more ...

Member Benefits

  • Join the family of like minded organisations
  • Advice and guidance
  • Access to competitive group Insurance scheme
  • BAFM Journal 2 times a year
  • National and Regional Conferences
  • Chair’s e-newsletter every 2 months
  • Copy of ‘Handbook for Friends’
  • Copy of ‘Charter & Handbook for Heritage Volunteer Managers & Administrators
  • Networking opportunities

Testimonials

As a first time attendee to a BAFM Regional Day I found this invaluable. I thought it was really interesting hearing what other Friends’ groups are doing. I will certainly attend future ones.

Bill Rhodes
Chairman of Friends of Gressenhall, Dereham, Norfolk

As a new Friends' group, BAFM has proved an excellent source of information and support for us, and a good way of meeting up and exchanging ideas with others.

Angela Conyers,
Chair, Friends of Folkestone Museum, Kent

From insurance to legal guidance, from ethics to fund raising and as a supreme networking tool, BAFM is there to assist and advise. In essence, BAFM is the friend of all Friends and support groups.

Ian Bean,
Director of Projects of the Friends of Beamish