It is a centre of history that provides visitors with a taste of the town's journey from fishing village to thriving port.

Eastern Daily Press: President Colin Dixon and chairman Jim Aguss are leading the appeal for help. Picture: Nick ButcherPresident Colin Dixon and chairman Jim Aguss are leading the appeal for help. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

But now Lowestoft Maritime Museum is urgently appealing for more volunteers in order to keep opening eyes to the wonders of yesteryear.

Based on Whapload Road, the museum is currently closed for the winter until it reopens for nine days around Easter week, and then for the summer season from April to October.

However, with a total of just 25 volunteers tasked with overseeing proceedings during their seven day working week, chairman Jim Aguss and president Colin Dixon are urging more people to step forward.

Eastern Daily Press: The museum documents Lowestofts time as a shipbuilding heavyweight and fishing focal point. Picture: Nick ButcherThe museum documents Lowestofts time as a shipbuilding heavyweight and fishing focal point. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

'We want to get our profile back in the public eye and let people know we're here,' said Mr Aguss. 'To sustain the museum we need to increase our volunteers and attendance.'

Mr Dixon added: 'Volunteers can be of any age, so long as they're prepared to give up a day or two every now and then.

'A maritime background is preferred but by no means essential.'

Eastern Daily Press: On offer at the museum is a plethora of striking displays and momentous artefacts. Picture: Nick ButcherOn offer at the museum is a plethora of striking displays and momentous artefacts. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

The maritime museum features a plethora of striking displays and momentous artefacts, each of them documenting an important part of Lowestoft's time as a shipbuilding heavyweight and fishing focal point.

A lot may have changed since the town's fishing industry heyday at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, but those on the committee are determined to celebrate days gone by.

'We've got the whole history of the town here which is great because a lot of younger people have no idea what things used to be like,' added Mr Aguss.

Eastern Daily Press: Based on Whapload Road, the museum is currently closed for the winter. It reopens for nine days around Easter week, and then from April to October. Picture: Nick ButcherBased on Whapload Road, the museum is currently closed for the winter. It reopens for nine days around Easter week, and then from April to October. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

'The amazing thing is that some people have lived in Lowestoft all their lives and have never set foot in the museum.'

Mr Dixon said: 'To the volunteers, it's all about meeting the public, building a rapport and sharing our knowledge.

'It's an immense satisfaction to speak to the public and get a response of 'I didn't know that!'

Eastern Daily Press: In support of its recruitment drive, the museum will host an open day on Wednesday, February 21. Picture: Nick ButcherIn support of its recruitment drive, the museum will host an open day on Wednesday, February 21. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

In support of its recruitment drive, the Lowestoft Maritime Museum will host an open day from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, February 21, where people can drop-in, meet the committee and potentially join the team of volunteers.

Visit the maritime museum website for more information.