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 NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM – 2020

In view of the current situation regarding the virus, the BAFM National Conference in 2020 has been postponed until Spring 2021. It is felt ...Read more ...

BAFM National Conference & AGM – October 2019

The BAFM Conference and AGM was held on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October 2019, at Reading Museum & Town Hall. The theme was ...Read more ...

South East (Southern Counties) Regional Day – September 2019

A BAFM Regional Day was held on Tuesday 24th September at Maidstone Museum, hosted by Maidstone Museums’ Foundation (MMF). Even though it was one of the wettest days for months 24 delegates struggled through the deluge to attend a really interesting and stimulating day ...Read more ...

BAFM news

NEW SOUTH EAST (SOUTH) REP

Oct 28, 2020

We are delighted to welcome Angela Conyers as BAFM’s new representative for the South East (Southern Counties) area.Dr Angela Conyers is Chair of the ...Read more ...

BAFM TO LAUNCH NEW AWARD

Oct 16, 2020

BAFM is pleased to announce the launch of the new BAFM Impact Award in Spring 2021. Following a review of our awards 2019 and ...Read more ...

NEW – STATEMENT FROM BAFM ON IMPACT OF COVID

Oct 16, 2020

The British Association of Friends of Museums represents 200 groups around the UK with combined membership of over 70,000 people who love museums. We are pleased to see the Culture Recovery Fund awards announced which will be a vital lifeline for many museums and other cultural organisations.Read more ...

Member Benefits

  • Join the family of like minded organisations
  • Advice and guidance
  • Access to competitive group Insurance scheme
  • BAFM Journal 3 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