The Baird Institute contains a wide range of resources which relate to the history of Cumnock and the Doon Valley area – archives, audio visual material, books, maps, museum collections, newspapers and photographs. The museum contains extensive collections of Mauchline boxware and Cumnock pottery as well as many other important items of local interest, showing the rich industrial heritage of the area; mining, textiles etc. One room of the Baird is dedicated to Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party and contains many of his personal belongings. The Baird also boasts a continually changing catalogue of museum displays and art exhibitions. Whatever your interests – academic research, art, family history, local historical information, school projects – a visit to the Baird Institute will be worthwhile.