The History of the Station
The museum is housed in the oldest lifeboat station in Wales,a grade 2 listed building completed in 1874. The first lifeboats were commissioned in 1828 by the Rev. James Williams Rector of Llanfairynghornwy one to Cemlyn, the second to Holyhead. The funding coming from the Anglesey Lifesaving Association, a fore runner to the R.N.L.I. which took over the association in 1852. In 1890 the station was almost doubled in size to accommodate a second lifeboat that was drawn on a carriage by six horses. This was used when a rescue was required on the far side of the island such as Trearddur Bay or Rhoscolyn.
1930 the station was closed, and a single life boat was rehoused in the new station located on Salt Island. The then redundant station had a checkered history afterwords. Becoming a roller skating rink, a R.N.R. drill hut. During the Second World War it became a N.A.A.F.I. for servicemen including the Royal Dutch Navy. After the war it became a café.In 1985 it became the Zodiac Wine Bar.
1997, Stena Line the owners of the property and surrounding land handed the lease for the property over to the Directors of the Holyhead Maritime Museum. A successful lottery bid was made and the building was converted into a museum. The museum opened on the 2nd April 1999.
Since the opening the museum has gone from strength to strength having a large Bistro and decking area built.The Second World War Air Raid Shelter has been restored and now houses numerous artifacts related to the wars. We have endeavored to keep the museum as local as can be. This creates interest for the town's people and also gives our visitors an insight into the town's history
The Lifeboat Station 1914