Museum of Hartlepool facts for kids
The Museum of Hartlepool is a super cool place that opened in 1996. It's part of a bigger attraction called Hartlepool's Maritime Experience. This museum brings together amazing collections from older museums that are now closed. You can explore hundreds of exhibits here. They all tell the exciting story of Hartlepool, a town in North East England. Hartlepool has a long and rich history with shipbuilding, fishing, and the sea. Best of all, it's completely free to visit!
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Discover the Museum of Hartlepool
The Museum of Hartlepool is packed with fascinating things to see. It's a great spot to learn about the town's past. The museum helps you understand how Hartlepool grew. It shows how important the sea was to its people.
What Can You See at the Museum?
The biggest and most impressive exhibit is the Paddle Steam Ship PS Wingfield Castle. This huge ship was built way back in 1934. For many years, it carried passengers across the Humber River. It was carefully brought to Hartlepool and fixed up. Now, it floats right outside the museum. You can even go inside and find a cozy coffee shop!
Explore Unique Exhibits
Besides the big ship, there are many other cool things to discover. You can see the very first lighthouse that used gas for its light. Imagine how bright that must have been! There's also a 'sea monster' or merman exhibit. You can even climb aboard a real coble boat. These boats were used by local fishermen.
Learn About Local Legends
The museum also shares famous local stories. You can find out about the well-known Monkey Legend. This legend explains why people from Hartlepool are sometimes called Monkey hangers. It's a fun and unique part of the town's history.
Special Exhibitions
The Museum of Hartlepool also has a special area for temporary exhibits. These shows change often. They bring in new and exciting displays from local artists, regional history, and even national collections. This means there's always something new to see when you visit!