Thomas Hudson Nelson and his Birds
This blog will look into Thomas Hudson Nelson, a local ornithologist from Redcar, and some of the taxidermy birds he donated to Dorman Museum in 1914.
Blogs
Here you can find interesting local stories from the collections in our museums.
Tees Valley Green Museums
To celebrate Earth Day on 22 April we’re sharing a selection of environmental collections from Tees Valley Museums.
We’re proud of our environmental work across our venues including our ‘Go Green’ activities, such as the recycling of nitrile gloves used by the collections and curatorial teams and using Dispa (a recyclable material) rather than traditional foam board for exhibition labels . We also have a green working group made up of colleagues across the different museums.
For this blog we have asked collections colleagues in our partner museums which objects or areas of work they’d like to highlight in this blog.
The Life and Death of Gillson
In 1905 George Gillson was killed at Stockton Train Station trying to escape but it was then discovered that George was actually female. This blog is an attempt to piece together the life Gillson lived and tell the story of the person.
Symbolism of Sheep Skulls Found Within Trees in Tees Valley’s Woodlands
Mysteries of Tees Valley Forests
The Great Landslide of 1682 of Runswick Bay
The Great Landslide of 1664 of Runswick Bay on The day Village That Slipped into the Sea
The Landslide
In the year 1682, Runswick Bay, a quaint coastal village in North Yorkshire, faced a catastrophic event that nearly obliterated the entire community. The village itself fell into the sea. Here’s the remarkable tale of how vigilance and quick thinking saved lives during the devastating landslide.
A Castle in Stockton?
Did you know that Stockton once had a castle?
This magnificent building may no longer be around to see, but the local pride and interest remains to this very day.
Secrets of Witch Markings in Tees Valley
The picturesque Tees Valley region is rich with history and folklore dating back centuries. One of the most intriguing remnants of this storied past are the ancient "witch markings" or ritual protection marks found carved into old buildings across the area. From humble cottages to grand churches and chapels, barns, and even caves, these enigmatic symbols offer a fascinating glimpse into the superstitions and beliefs that shaped daily life for our ancestors.
Alliance Street and The Stockton Test
In 1953 a ground-breaking test took place in Stockton in which four houses were updated to modern standards after decades of being left behind.
The Launch of the Runswick Bay Lifeboat
In the quaint coastal village of Runswick Bay, nestled along the rugged North Yorkshire coast, a tempest brewed in April 1901—a storm that would etch its mark on the collective memory of the community. It was a day when the elements conspired against the safety of those at sea, and the fate of their lives hung in the balance.
The Twists and Turns of the River Tees
We have been working with local schools and colleges to create artworks for display in Tees Valley Museums. The artworks have been inspired by the River Tees and explore the environmental impact of industry on the river.
During this project we looked at the history of the river, using objects artwork from our museum collections.
Pioneers of Drag
Drag was a staple of seaside venues and music halls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainstream entertainment that subtly challenged the ways men and women were often seen. Billie Manders and Vesta Tilley were two British actors who embraced drag and performed across the country, including venues in the Tees Valley.
Redcar Rock Shop
John Robert Jenny’s Rock Shop is one of the most well-known staples of the Redcar Esplanade, having served the locals and tourists of Redcar for over 50 years.