Dorset County Museum has officially announced its upcoming joint Thanksgiving Party with Dorchester, Massachusetts in America.

As reported in the Echo, the party aims to celebrate the shared history between both Dorchester towns.

In addition to a live video link on the evening between the two Dorchester towns, there will also be live folk music from Jerry Bird and a Mummers Play from the New Hardy Players.

A new film about Dorset’s heritage will also be presented, with an introduction from Lord and Lady Fellowes of West Stafford.

The event is part of a fundraising drive for the major refurbishment of John White’s Rectory in Colliton Street, and development to the museum including proposals for the Collections Discovery Centre.

The £13.3m project, announced in July, plans to expand the museum and give the public greater access to its vast collection of over four million artefacts of which only 1.5% is currently able to be displayed.

The collection includes extensive material on John White and Dorchester residents who travelled to America under his guidance to become early settlers in America.

David Taylor, fundraising team leader at Dorset County Museum, said: “We have found links from Dorset families to the great-grandfather of George Washington, who became the first President of the United States.

“There are also coats of arms from the Lawrence and Washington families going back to 1390 which show stars and stripes very similar to those used on the American flag.

“We are very excited for the town and the history and heritage quarter.

“We are delighted that after over a year’s work we are on board with America, and we are looking forward to celebrating our historic connections with them.

“There hasn’t been a meeting of this kind between Dorset and America since visits to commemorate the D-Day landings in Weymouth, so it will be a big night,” he added.

The charity fundraising event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 5.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 and include a glass of wine and canapés.

To purchase tickets, call the Museum Shop on 01305 756827 or email shop@dorsetcountymuseum.org Tickets can also be obtained from the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre by calling 01305 267992.