Dedicated to heroine Grace Darling who rescued nine people from the wreck of the steamship SS Forfarshire in 1838.
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RNLI collections
The diverse range of objects in our historic collections date back to our foundation in 1824 right through to present day.
The central repository for our collections is based at RNLI Support Centre in Poole, Dorset, along with our archive and library.
Objects include:
- a fine art collection
- medals and certificates
- model lifeboats
- technical plans
- fundraising memorabilia
- lifesaving equipment and kit
- clothing.
In addition, collections at our eight museums celebrate some of our historical events, people and local lifeboat history.
Historic items are also displayed in many lifeboat stations and visitor centres.
Historic donations and visits
Find out how to donate historic items to the RNLI and who can visit our archive, library and collections.
Relive the life of Coxswain Henry Blogg, the RNLI’s most decorated lifeboatman, who served 53 years at Cromer.
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Once an RNLI lifeboat station, this Victorian double boathouse celebrates Whitby’s award-winning lifeboat history.
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Get close to RNLI lifeboats through the ages with this impressive collection at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Kent.
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Housed in the 1898 RNLI William Terris Memorial Boathouse, learn about the history of lifeboating in this Sussex town.
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Experience over 140 years of courageous lifesaving history, featuring award-winning rescues and lifeboat disasters.
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The Seawatch Centre tells the story of Moelfre's maritime and lifeboat history, including medal winning rescues, historical shipwrecks and fascinating artefacts.
Moelfre RNLI Seawatch Centre
Lifeboats crewed by the people of Poole have been helping those in trouble at sea since 1865. Poole Old Lifeboat Museum documents the history of the RNLI in Poole from that time, right up until the present day.
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