Tenby Museum is celebrating the impact of Welsh ideas and innovation on the modern world with an exhibition on local innovator, and inventor of the equals sign, Robert Recorde.  Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas paid a special visit to the museum to see the display showcasing Recorde's work as part of Museum and Galleries Month (MGM) 2008.  The exhibition also includes three of Recorde's original books that contain the beginnings of many mathematical symbols, including the equals sign.   Robert Recorde was born in Tenby in 1510 and is described by many as the 'father of British mathematics'. He was the first person to write mathematical textbooks in English and also introduced Algebra to English speaking countries. Museums and Galleries Month runs from May 1-31 and this year celebrates 'what Wales has done for the world' through the theme 'Ideas and Innovation'.  It aims to encourage visitors to find out more about Welsh innovation and feel a sense of pride at what they achieved. MGM is a UK-wide campaign which is supported in Wales by the Welsh Assembly Government. Mark Lewis, collections manager at Tenby Museum, said: "Robert Recorde is a great example of Welsh innovation and he is a real ambassador for the local area. We are encouraging visitors to come to the museum to find out more about Robert Recorde's life in the 16th century and Tenby during this time as well as other Welsh people who have made a great contribution to our society." Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: "Museums and Galleries Month 2008 is about celebrating the great inventors of Wales and Robert Recorde is undoubtedly one of the most influential. "The two little lines which make up the equals sign have truly shaped the world we live in today. It's hard to imagine life without them! Museums and Galleries Month is a great way of getting to know your local museum. Why not pay it a visit today?"    Tenby Museum recently received £15,000 funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to upgrade their archaeology and geology gallery. The museum is open from 10 am until 5 pm seven days a week and the Robert Recorde exhibition will be on display until May 31. For more information about this and other events during MGM 2008, visit http://www.mgm.org.uk">www.mgm.org.uk.