We provide a sense of place for those who live and visit Weardale by telling the stories of its history and heritage.
Our History The Weardale Museum was formed in 1984 when a small group of volunteers took advantage of a renovation scheme at High House Chapel to change the use of the adjoining former manse into a museum preserving the history and heritage of the Dale. A charitable trust was set up and in May 1985 the museum opened to its first visitors. Starting with a small collection based around an authentic lead-miners’ Kitchen, a collection of local minerals and the story of its historic chapel the Museum has grown and offers an eclectic mix of local stories filling its Tardis like building. In particular through, the dedicated work of its volunteers the Museum has created a family history research facility of over 70,000 Weardale individuals which used by people from all over the world to trace their ancestors.
With Thanks Creation of this website was made possible by the Weardale Museum receiving a generous National Lottery "Heritage Emergency Fund" grant to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on heritage. The pandemic resulted in the closure of the Museum from March 2020 and this website will assist in helping continue to promote the Museum and its work.
