Talking Tees Valley Packs

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.

Talking Tees Valley Activity Pack - John Wilson McCracken

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.
Imagine a man who loved painting people, telling stories through colours, and bringing amazing art to Hartlepool. That was John Wilson McCracken. An artist, a teacher, and a curator who helped make Hartlepool a wonderful place for art.

Talking Tees Valley Pack: Show Business

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.

There’s no business like show business and this month we’re looking at performance across the Tees Valley, using museum collections.

Talking Tees Valley Pack - The Japanese Collections

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 re-releasing our pack on the Japanese collections kept by our Museums. From a set of Samurai armour to kimonos and decorative sculptures, there is a lot to see, and we will show you how to make your own Origami Fox.

Talking Tees Valley Pack: Local Architecture in Stockton & Hartlepool

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 local architecture with a focus on buildings in Stockton and Hartlepool. Each building still exists today, despite their main purpose changing.