Captain Cook Birthplace Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 28 October 1978 |
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| Location | Stewart Park, Middlesbrough |
| Nearest car park | Use Stewart Park car park |
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is a public museum in Stewart Park. It is located in Marton, Middlesbrough, in North Yorkshire, England. This museum is one of two places managed by Middlesbrough Council. The other is the Dorman Museum.
The museum first opened on October 28, 1978. This date was special because it was 250 years after the birth of Captain James Cook. He was a famous naval explorer and circumnavigator from Britain. The museum tells the story of his life, his times, and his amazing journeys around the world.
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Discovering Captain Cook's Story
Before the museum was built, people already knew this spot was important. A local businessman and mayor, Henry Bolckow, put up a special granite urn here in the 1850s. This urn had Captain Cook's name on it. It was placed in the gardens of Bolckow's home, Marton Hall.
Marton Hall was later destroyed by a fire in 1960. Today, only a stone loggia remains, showing where the grand hall once stood.
What You Can See Inside
The museum holds many items connected to Captain Cook. These are collections not owned by bigger national or international museums. You can see household items from his time. There is also a guess at what his birthplace cottage might have looked like. The original cottage was removed when the land was changed for Marton Lodge, a home that stood here until 1793.
Visitors can also enjoy interactive displays. These help you learn in a fun way. The museum also hosts special traveling exhibitions. There is a cafe, a gift shop, and a place for educational activities. You can also find resources and an archive room for deeper research.
A Special Reopening
In 1998, the museum had a big update. This included new art pieces by Turner Prize nominee Simon Patterson. The museum was reopened to the public by the famous Sir David Attenborough.
Exploring Captain Cook Country
Outside the museum, you can find an information board. This board marks Marton as the start of the Captain Cook Country Tour. This tour is part of a bigger effort by the Captain Cook Tourism Association in Cleveland. It helps people explore places connected to Captain Cook.
