Museum of Hartlepool facts for kids
The Museum of Hartlepool opened its doors in 1996. It is part of a bigger attraction called Hartlepool's Maritime Experience. This museum brings together collections that used to be in other places. These included the Gray Art Gallery and Museum and the Maritime Museum. Both of those older museums are now closed.
The museum is free to enter. It has many interesting items that tell the story of Hartlepool. This is a coastal town in North East England. Hartlepool has a long and rich history. It is famous for shipbuilding, fishing, and its connection to the sea.
The biggest item you can see is the Paddle Steam Ship PS Wingfield Castle. This ship was built in 1934. For many years, it carried passengers across the Humber River. The ship was carefully fixed up in Hartlepool. Now, it floats as a museum exhibit. It even has a coffee shop inside!
Other cool things to explore include the very first lighthouse lit by gas. You can also see a 'sea monster' exhibit, which is a merman. There's a real coble boat that you can climb inside. The museum also shares the famous Monkey Legend. This story explains why people from Hartlepool are sometimes called Monkey hangers. The museum also has a special area for temporary exhibits. These shows feature local, regional, and national topics.
External Links
- More about Hartlepool Museum
