Swaledale Museum facts for kids
The Swaledale Museum is a cool local museum located in the small village of Reeth. Reeth is close to Richmond in North Yorkshire, England.
This museum tells the story of life and work in the countryside of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. These areas are part of the amazing Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Contents
History of the Museum Building
The building where the Swaledale Museum is now used to be a school. It was a Methodist school room, built way back in 1836. Before that, there were two old cottages on the same spot.
After another school was built in Reeth in 1862, this building became a Sunday School. During the Second World War, soldiers stayed here. They were training at Catterick Garrison nearby. After the war, it was used as a fun recreation hall.
How the Museum Started
In 1974, the building was bought from the Methodist Church. It then opened as a museum called the Swaledale Folk Museum. It was a private museum at first.
In 2004, new owners took over. But the museum is still run independently today. A team of amazing volunteers helps to keep it going.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has many interesting things to see. You can learn about the history of the local area.
One cool exhibit includes old photographs. These pictures show the former lead mine at Arn Gill. You can also see the original stone arch from the mine's entrance.
Friends of Swaledale Museum
There is a special group called Friends of Swaledale Museum. These are volunteers who help the museum. They assist with running the museum and its activities.
See also
- List of museums in North Yorkshire
- Swaledale Festival
