THE ATHELSTAN Museum in Malmesbury has opened a new exhibit, called the Cleveland Connection, which tells the story of local families who left the town to move to the USA in the nineteenth century.

Many of the people who left did so to flee poverty and set up a new life with some, such as John Alexander, even becoming incredibly wealthy thanks to their involvement in the early days of oil refining and their association with John D Rockefeller.

Mr Alexander eventually came back to Malmesbury and became a well known philanthropist and businessman.

Maria Marsh, curator, said: “The Cleveland Connection exhibit came about The Cleveland Connection exhibit came about while the museum was discussing ideas for future exhibits and Mike Elam suggested we look into a story he heard about John D Rockefeller and his connection to Malmesbury. 

“The exhibit tells some fascinating and surprising stories of local people whose names you may recognise even now as families who live or lived in the area.  

“We hope you'll come see this new exhibit which sheds light on this little known period in Malmesbury's history and tells many of the stories of the men involved.”

The museum in Malmesbury Town Hall offers free entry and is open from 10.30am-4.30pm and the exhibit runs until July 21.