Talking Tees Valley Packs

Talking Tees Valley Pack Castlegate Centre & Swallow Hotel

Each month we use objects and photos from our museums in the Tees Valley to take a closer look at the lives and stories from people in our area.

This month we’re looking at the Castlegate Shopping Centre and neighbouring Swallow Hotel which stood on Stockton High Street for over 50 years!

Talking Tees Valley Pack - Ice Cream

Each month we use objects and photos from our museums in the Tees Valley to take a closer look at the lives and stories from people in our area.

This month we are looking at everyone’s favourite sweet treat – Ice Cream. We will look into how Ice Cream is made and some of the famous names in our area, from Rea’s Creamy Ices to Pacitto’s Lemon Tops.

Talking Tees Valley Pack - Birds of the Tees Valley

Each month we use objects and photos from our museums in the Tees Valley to take a closer look at the lives and stories from people in our area.

This month we are looking at the birds that live in the Tees Valley. We will look into one of the area’s most well-known bird collectors, the kinds of birds you can see in your garden or on the riverside, and if you want to do a spot of birdwatching, we have put together a checklist for you.

Talking Tees Valley Pack - Dame Laura Knight in Staithes

Each month we use objects and photos from our museums in the Tees Valley to take a closer look at the lives and stories from people in our area.

This month we are looking into the beginning of Dame Laura Knight’s painting career in Staithes. During the 13 years she spent in Staithes, she sketched the town, the fisherfolk and their boats, and started her long career in painting.

She became one of the most well-known artists in England, painting circus performers, travelling communities and the many service men and women who took part in the war effort in World War 2.

John Walker the inventor of the first friction match in 1826.

Each month we use objects and photos from our museums in the Tees Valley to take a closer look at the lives and stories from people in our area.

This month we look at the life of John Walker, one of the most prolific people who lived in Stockton. He was the inventor of the friction match in 1826. John’s invention paved the way for making light and heat on the go, all from his humble chemist shop on Stockton High Street

Talking Tees Valley Pack - Prehistoric Tees Valley

Each month we use objects and photos from our museums in the Tees Valley to take a closer look at the lives and stories from people in our area.

This month we look into what our area was like millions of years ago and the creatures that lived here. Read about the Ancient Forest, a type of fossil wood used in jewellery, and the dolphin-like monster that lived in the seas. We will also show you how to make badges that look like ammonites.