Travel Journal #2: Mildenhall Museum and market day Published June 18, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Vanessa Bastidas 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- If you're looking for something quick and simple to do on a Friday, then why not visit the Mildenhall Museum and market? The museum offers some interesting history on Mildenhall village and how it got started. From a shallow swampy basin where vegetation couldn't grow to the thriving town we now enjoy. You can learn about local wildlife, antique appliances and household goods, and there's even a wall dedicated to some local heroes. It's also famous for the quantity of artifacts from an early human settlement found in the area. You can find history on RAF Mildenhall on the second floor of the museum covering the opening of the base in 1934 and its mission through the decades. Learn about the transfer to the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and the different role the base took on. The Mildenhall Treasure's history and replicas of the Roman silver dating back to around 360 A.D. are on display. Found by local ploughman Gordon Butcher and his boss Sydney Ford, a total of 34 items of Roman silver were unearthed. The controversial history and expert suggestions as to the original owner of the silver can be read about at the museum. Once you get your fill of history at the museum take a short stroll through the town square, and you'll find yourself at the market where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, clothes and rugs. It's also a chance to stop by some of the local shops that offer a variety of deli meats, cheeses, candles and incense as well as restaurants and specialty shops. Get there early because the stalls start tearing down around 2 p.m. Free parking is available at the car park by the Mildenhall pool, and there are cash points at the market square if you need to pick up some local currency. Hours: March 1 - May 7 & Sept. 1 - Dec. 22 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Fridays from 11a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 8 through Aug. 31 Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Museum closes for winter Dec. 23, 2007, and re-opens March 1, 2008 Editor's note: No federal endorsement is intended or implied.