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

The British Association of Friends of Museums’ 53rd Conference and AGM 2026

In partnership with the Friends of Southampton’s Museums, Archives and Galleries Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th October 2026 Conference theme: Partnership Working We are ...Read more ...

BAFM news

BAFM is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 ‘NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR AWARD’

Aug 06, 2026

As last year, the competition was of a very high standard and there were more entries, making the judges choice even more difficult. In ...Read more ...

BAFM Friends of the Year Award 2026

Mar 26, 2026

In Association with the Marsh Charitable Trust Guidance Notes for applicants BAFM wants to recognise the exceptional work that Friends Groups are doing through ...Read more ...

A Message from our new President

Mar 24, 2026

It is a pleasure to take on the reins as President of the Association following the untimely death of Lord Cormack, a colleague of ...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