Whitby Museum facts for kids
Whitby Museum is a cool place to visit in Whitby, a town in North Yorkshire, England. It's not run by the government, but by a group called the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society. This group started way back in 1823! The museum building you see today in Pannett Park opened in 1931. It also has a library and an archive where old documents are kept.
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What You Can See at Whitby Museum
The museum has lots of interesting things that tell the story of Whitby. You can explore many special collections here.
Amazing Fossils
One of the most exciting parts of the museum is its collection of Jurassic fossils. These are super old remains of plants and animals from millions of years ago! You'll see many ammonites, which are like ancient snails with spiral shells. There are also fossils of huge marine reptiles that once swam in the seas around Whitby.
Whitby Jet and Captain Cook
The museum also shows off beautiful Whitby jet. This is a special black gemstone found in the area. You can learn about its history and how it's used to make jewelry. Another big part of the collection is about Captain James Cook. He was a famous explorer who sailed the world. You can see items related to his ship, HM Bark Endeavour, which was built nearby.
Whaling and Nature
Whitby was once a big center for whaling, which was hunting whales. The museum has exhibits about this industry and its history. You can also learn about the natural history of the North Yorkshire coast and its moorlands. This includes local plants, animals, and birds.
Clothes, Photos, and More
There are displays of old clothes and textiles, showing how people dressed long ago. The museum also has a large collection of photographs. Many of these were taken by a famous local photographer named Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. If you want to do research, the museum has a special library and archive. It's full of information about Whitby's industries and how people lived.
The Hand of Glory
One of the most talked-about items is the Hand of Glory. This is a dried hand that people once believed had magical powers. Legends say it could unlock doors or make people freeze in place. It's a very old and mysterious item!
The Egyptian Mummy
For many years, between the 1890s and 1930, the museum had an ancient Egyptian mummy. This mummy was of a man who lived around 300 BC. It was given to the museum by a man named Sir George Elliot. In 1930, the mummy was bought by another museum in Hull. Today, you can find it at the Hands On History Museum in Kingston upon Hull.
History of Whitby Museum
The Whitby Museum has been around for a long time, changing locations as its collection grew.
Early Beginnings
The museum first opened its doors in 1823. Back then, it was quite small, located in just two rooms above a shop on Baxtergate in Whitby.
Moving to a Bigger Space
By 1827, the museum's collection had grown so much that it needed more room! So, it moved to a larger building. This new spot was above the public baths, giving it more space to show off its treasures.
A New Home in Pannett Park
In 1924, the people running the museum decided it was time for a brand new, purpose-built home. They worked hard to create a special building just for the museum. This new building, which is where the museum is located today in Pannett Park, officially opened in August 1931. It has been a popular place for visitors and researchers ever since.
