In a moment steeped in nostalgia and pride, Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun, has opened the doors to its very own heritage museum, offering an intimate journey into the institution’s rich history, ethos, and evolution since its founding in 1957.
The museum, located in the Nasreen building — the first and oldest structure on the campus — is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a living narrative of the school’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s premier girls’ boarding schools.
The choice of location is symbolic. The Nasreen building, with its graceful Neo-Tudor architecture, was once part of a Nizam’s estate and became the school’s very first home when Hersilia Susie Oliphant opened Welham Girls’ School with just ten students. The museum restores this building to its original charm, now housing a curated collection of photographs, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of the school’s growth, values, and cherished traditions.
Visitors will find:
1. Rare photographs of the founders, Miss Oliphant and Grace Mary Linnell, along with personal letters, notes, and writings that capture their pioneering spirit.
2. Original school registers featuring the very first batch of students, including the name of Premila Nazir — the first registered student of Welham.
3. Memorabilia from alumnae — uniforms, trophies, yearbooks, and keepsakes passed down by former students.
4. Snapshots of long-standing traditions — such as midnight feasts, morning assemblies, and Founders’ Day celebrations.
While many schools preserve records and photographs, Welham’s museum takes it further — it’s designed as a storytelling space where visitors can engage with the school’s history. Alumni, students, teachers, and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the spirit of Welham, making the past tangible and relevant to the present.
Just as the founders dreamed, it will continue to remind every student who walks through its gates that education is not only about knowledge, but about building character, nurturing empathy, and leaving behind a legacy worth remembering.
