History
Tyne & Wear Museums' history collections cover a wide area from maritime, science and industry, costume and textiles to social history. These collections reflect the illustrious history of Tyne and Wear and the North East region.
The maritime collection reflects the pre-eminent role of the North East shipbuilding industry from 1800 -1980 and includes Turbinia, the world's first turbine-powered vessel. The science and industry collection celebrates the region's vibrant history of innovation, enterprise and achievement and includes several examples of world 'firsts'.
Costume and textiles covers adult and children's wear, accessories and textiles, mainly from the locality from the 4th century AD to the present. The social history collection represents life in Tyne and Wear from the 17th century to the present. It focuses on communities, personal and family life, popular culture, and work.
A selection of our collections is displayed online.