The Pumping Station is situation on the Old Mainline Canal. If you are interested in volunteering at the site then please see the contact details below. The building is largely staffed by volunteers - the Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station on behalf of Sandwell Museum Service. Today this small museum gives an insight into some of the most important and historic civil engineering feats in the area, including the world famous Galton Bridge as well as a look at life and work on the canals. Apart from a short period during the Second World War the building sat empty until it was restored and opened as part of the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre in the late 1980s. However the station only had a short working life, closing in the mid 1920s due to reduced traffic on the canals. This was to replace the water lost from the higher level when boats went through the Smethwick locks. Situated on the Birmingham Main Line Canal, Galton Valley Pumping Station first opened in 1892 with the purpose of pumping water from the lower Birmingham New Main Line to the high Old Main Line Canal.
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We're still here! - Sandwell Museums continues to provide a lively programme of events, interactive activities, things to get involved with, blogs, object showcases, videos, blogs, talks etc on our social media platforms so follow us on facebook, twitter and Instagram. We are currently planning for phased re-opening later in the year in accordance with government guidelines. This also means that all events and activities have been postponed, regular community groups, school visits and bookings have been cancelled. Due to the current outbreak our museums are currently closed.