The Museum of Hartlepool
The Finest Free Show in Town... has changed
The story of Hartlepool brought to life for you!
The Museum of Hartlepool has undergone a transformation. The colourful new displays tell the story of a past which is packed with exciting events and interesting people. As you enter, you are taken back 5000 years to the Bronze Age and introduced to the museum by Hartlepool's oldest known man. From here you move through centuries of the town's past, ending up with the joining of the Headland and West Hartlepool in 1967 and a look to today and the future.
Listen!
From real historical figures to fictional characters, hear the story of Hartlepool told by those who lived through it.
Participate!
Have a go at being an archaeologist or a monastic scribe, dress up in a medieval gown or a Victorian jacket, or have your say at one of the 'Opinion Makers'.
See!
From prehistoric axes to nineteenth century toys, Anglo-Saxon jewellery to Georgian silver, as well as the odd 'mystery object', there are wonderful artefacts to intrigue and delight you.
Hartlepool has a long and eventful history and which it is rightly proud. However it's people have their sights set firmly on the future and it's looking bright! For a brief history of Hartlepool click here.
Don't forget PSS Wingfield Castle - a wonderfully restored 1930s paddle steamer. Enjoy a cup of tea in the Art Deco style café or join in one of the activities in the new educational facilities.
The Museum of Hartlepool is part of the visitor attraction, Hartlepool's Maritime Experience.
A brief history of Hartlepool:
Hartlepool Headland has been populated more or less continuously since the dawn of history - even before it was a headland jutting into the North Sea.
Primitive man hunted here in the deer-rich forests and the first farmers took advantage of the fertile soil created by the geological activity of the Ice Age to grow their crops.
Early Christians chose the area for an important monastery and their successors used the plentiful supply of local limestone to build their splendid churches.
Kings and Queens of England and Scotland availed themselves of the Headland's strategic position for their military exploits against each other throughout the centuries.
P.S.S. Wingfield Castle:
A unique venue for any occasion, Wingfield Castle is a restored Paddle Steam Ship moored in Jackson Dock and is the largest exhibit at the Museum of Hartlepool. The First Class deck and the rear deck can be hired for a variety of functions such as family celebrations, barbecues, meetings etc. Why not watch the sun go down over Hartlepool Marina?
Step back in time when you step on board this restored paddle steamer, a former passenger ferry launched in 1934 was built in Hartlepool by William Gray & Co. She is the largest exhibit at the Museum of Hartlepool and admission is free. You can tour the ship including the bridge and the boiler room. Coffee shop on-board too. Please check for opening times.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Admission to the museum and PSS Wingfield Castle is free
Address:
Museum of Hartlepool
Maritime Avenue
Hartlepool
TS24 0XZ