The Charles Dickens Museum in London is set to commemorate its centenary by inviting the public to explore the author’s former residence for free, along with the opportunity to meet some of his living descendants.
On June 9, attendees will encounter a family member of Dickens in each of the museum’s historic rooms, where they can enjoy discussions and readings.
Located at 48 Doughty Street, the Charles Dickens Museum is the only remaining London residence where Dickens lived and penned the iconic tales that earned him global recognition.
This occasion also coincides with the 155th anniversary of Dickens’ passing.
Within the study, visitors will have the chance to engage with Mark Dickens, his great-great-grandson, who will perform a reading of A Christmas Carol.
In an adjacent room, Gerald Dickens, also a great-great-grandson, will talk about the Staplehurst train accident of 1865—a traumatic event Dickens survived that inspired his ghost story, The Signalman.
Additionally, Ollie Dickens, the great-great-great-grandson of the author, will recite excerpts from Oliver Twist in the very space where the classic was conceived.
Frankie Kubicki, the museum’s director, remarked, “Visiting us on our 100th birthday could provide you with the unique experience of soaking in the atmosphere of the room where Dickens crafted Oliver Twist or examining his writing desk and chair alongside the current leader of the Dickens lineage.
“Our centenary exhibition is filled with some of the museum’s most cherished artifacts, making this an exceptional moment to discover the house that launched Charles Dickens into stardom.”