This is the Box

April 30th, 2020

An exploration of the origins of Joanna Southcott's Box, by Museum Officer Victoria Kahl.

Blog

Coronavirus and the Panaceans

April 21st, 2020

How would the Panaceans have coped with the Coronavirus if it had happened in their era? Imaginings by volunteer Adrian Bean.

Blog

A Religious Community of Women

April 8th, 2020

Volunteer Alison Smythe explores some of the roots of the Panacea Society, including the teachings of Joanna Southcott.

Blog

International Women's Day

March 8th, 2020

On International Women’s Day we are championing women’s rights and celebrating women’s achievements and their history.

Blog

Lillies for Dilys

January 29th, 2020

A personal reflection on Dilys Barltrop by Museum volunteer Adrian Bean. Devotees of all things Panacean will probably have immensely kind feelings about Mabel’s daughter, who is buried in Bedford Cemetery close to her mother.

In the press

The Bedford Clanger- Santa to visit the Panacea Museum

December 4th, 2019

Visit the Panacea Museum on 7 or 14 December for the chance to meet the one and only Santa Claus.

In the press

Festive Fun - Bedslife Magazine

November 28th, 2019

Free Festive Events at the Panacea Museum- in aid of Bedford Foodbank

In the press

The woman who said Jesus would return - to Bedford

November 17th, 2019

Written by the BBC's Alex Pope: How did the prophecies of a Devonshire farmer's daughter inspire a 20th Century religious movement- whose last believer only died in 2012?

Blog

In Sure and Certain Hope of a Better Resurrection

October 12th, 2019

They didn’t believe they would truly die but if they did, then come the Day of Revelation they would live again. Written by Museum volunteer Adrian Bean.

Blog

Servants to the Servants of the Lord

September 18th, 2019

Joining as a Domestic Servant was the only way working-class women could become resident members of the Panacea Society. From the founding in 1919 until the end of the Society, domestic servants kept the community’s houses running smoothly.

Blog

Yggdrasil and a Squirrel

July 27th, 2019

In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is the world-tree, the Tree of Knowledge at the centre of the Universe. The Panacea Society Members believed that this Pagan symbolism was very relevant to their Twentieth Century Garden of Eden.