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 fun public museum in Stewart Park. It is located in Marton, a part of Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire, England. This museum is one of two important places looked after by the Middlesbrough Council.
The museum first opened its doors on October 28, 1978. This date was special because it was exactly 250 years after the birth of Captain James Cook. He was a famous British naval explorer and circumnavigator. A circumnavigator is someone who sails all the way around the world! The museum tells the story of Captain Cook's life and his amazing journeys.
Contents
Remembering Captain Cook's Birthplace
Before the museum was built, there was a special pink granite urn in Stewart Park. This urn was put there in the 1850s by Henry Bolckow. He was a local businessman and a mayor of Middlesbrough. The urn marked the spot where Captain Cook's childhood home once stood.
Captain Cook's original cottage was removed a long time ago. It was taken away when a large house called Marton Lodge was built in the area. Marton Lodge itself was later destroyed by a fire in 1960. Only a stone archway, called a loggia, survived from that house.
What You Can See Inside
The museum has many interesting items related to Captain Cook. These include everyday household objects from his time. There is also a model of what his birthplace cottage might have looked like.
You can enjoy interactive displays that let you learn by doing. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that change over time. These shows bring new stories and artifacts for visitors to see.
The museum has a cafe where you can grab a snack. There's also a gift shop to find souvenirs. If you are visiting with a school, there is an education suite with resources. An archive room holds historical documents for researchers.
Modern Art and Reopening
In 1998, the museum had a big update. As part of this, two modern artworks were added. These were created by Simon Patterson, a famous artist. The museum was then reopened by Sir David Attenborough, a well-known nature presenter.
Outside the museum, you can find an information board. This board tells you that Marton is the starting point for the Captain Cook Country Tour. This tour helps people explore places connected to Captain Cook across the Cleveland area.
External links
- Official website: http://www.captcook-ne.co.uk
- Captain Cook Country
