A NEW scheme is set to allow you to 'adopt' some of Colchester's incredible historical items. 

The Colchester Museums Development Foundation has announced it is supporting the global day of generosity, Giving Tuesday, next week, and the public can now virtually adopt an item from Colchester Museums.

There are 22 fascinating items up for adoption in the Adopt an Object campaign and all money raised will go back to the foundation so it can continue to preserve Colchester’s rich heritage for future generations.

They are items that can be found at Colchester Castle, the Hollytrees Museum, and the city’s natural history museum.

Gazette: Donations - If you adopt one of the historical items your name will go on a thank you board within the castleDonations - If you adopt one of the historical items your name will go on a thank you board within the castle (Image: Colchester Council)

This scheme features some interesting and unusual pieces of history.

Including the ‘Green Lady’ medieval wall painting from 1395, a Viking axe which was found in the river Colne, a ‘Roman Face Pot’ from AD43-300, and… a roman era ‘Flying Penis Amulet’.

Michelle Burrows, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and heritage said it was an important scheme for future generations to enjoy these wonderful artefacts.

She said: “All gifts adopted will enable CMDF to support and widen the reach of Colchester Museums within the local community.

Gazette: Art - The medieval wall painting 'Green Lady'Art - The medieval wall painting 'Green Lady' (Image: Colchester Museums/Colchester Council)

Gazette: Item - The 'Roman Face Pot' which was used as a cremation vesselItem - The 'Roman Face Pot' which was used as a cremation vessel (Image: Colchester Museums/Colchester Council)

“From enabling accessible events, to providing new research opportunities and supporting ongoing work to ensure the collections are as diverse and accessible as possible, adopters will be helping to preserve Colchester’s rich heritage for future generations.”

There are three different tiers, bronze, silver, and gold.

For bronze, if you donate £10 to £60, you will receive a digital adoption certificate with a photo of your object, and your name will be placed on the adopter’s thank you board in Colchester Castle.

Silver is for donations between £30 to £100 and will get you invitations to VIP exhibition openings and a physical certificate.

Gold benefits are when £300 is donated and you’ll be one of five adopters of the Colchester Vase, you will be invited to an exclusive viewing of the object with a curator.

Gazette: Historical - The Viking AxeHistorical - The Viking Axe (Image: Colchester Museums/Colchester Council)

Gazette: Incredible - The 'Colchester Vase', a very famous pot which depicts Roman amphitheatre scenesIncredible - The 'Colchester Vase', a very famous pot which depicts Roman amphitheatre scenes (Image: Colchester Museums/Colchester Council)

Each historical item varies by what tier it is categorised in, and the bronze and silver adoptions last for a year and can be adopted by multiple people.

To find out more, head to tinyurl.com/yckzpck6.