Will Catlin’s Pierrots
Will Catlin’s Pierrots were a well-known sight on the north-east coast, performing on the beaches and their own open-air theatre in Scarborough.
Blogs
Here you can find interesting local stories from the collections in our museums.
Lascar sailors of Hartlepool
Lascar sailors, or South Asian and Southeast Asian sailors, worked on ships across the world. In this guest blog from Hartlepool Museums Service we look into those who worked on ships built in Hartlepool in the 1920s and the challenges they faced from British sailors.
The Matchmaker of Hartlepool: Evelyn Harrison’s Legacy
The Matchmaker of Hartlepool: Evelyn Harrison’s Legacy
Brass Crosby and the Freedom of the Press
One evening in February 1905, in the hall of Stockton’s Literary and Philosophical Society in Dovecot Street, a barbershop owner named Joseph Parrott told a packed room the story of Brass Crosby, a Mayor of London who had been born in Stockton.
Genevieve Glatt and Teessaurus Park
In 1979 a patch of land on the banks of the River Tees became a new public attraction and the home of steel dinosaurs that remain popular to this day.
Incredible Insects
We’re feeling inspired by the exhibition Brilli-Ant! which is at Hopetown Darlington from now until 15th March 2026, so we thought we’d take a closer look at some of our insect inspired museum collections across the Tees Valley Museums.
The Middlesbrough Pottery
Before Middlesbrough became a steel-making powerhouse, it was a small town with ambitious businesses taking their first steps. The Middlesbrough Pottery was one of them.
Festive Traditions
Carols, feasts and gifts.
Winter festivals are thought to have been celebrated from as early as the Roman period – over 2000 years ago!
Stockton Globe Turns 90!
The Stockton Globe is a beautiful grade II listed art deco theatre located at 153A High Street, Stockton-On-Tees. This much-loved venue first opened its doors in 1935 and has hosted many international stars over the years.
This year Stockton Globe is celebrating its 90th anniversary!
Marion Coates Hansen
Marion Coates Hansen was one of Middlesbrough’s first female councillors. She had an interest in women’s rights and took part in the first Suffragette movement and the Women’s Freedom League.
Flying Freddie Dixon
Have you heard of Flying Freddie Dixon?
This Stockton lad became well known for his motorcycle designs, he is also the only person to have competed and won Tourist Trophy races on two, three and four wheels during his motorsport career, showcasing his adaptability across different forms of racing.
Paddy’s Hole:
Paddy's Hole: A Special Place with Irish Roots
Have you ever heard of Paddy's Hole? It's a small harbour located at the mouth of the River Tees, near the South Gare breakwater. This place has a fascinating history and is named after the Irish workers who helped build the South Gare a long time ago.