Our History

History of the Regional Resource Centre and Regional Museums Store

The Regional Museums Store opened in 2002.  Styled on a late 19th century engineering works, it is a vast building which houses very large artefacts that represent our region's rich industrial, maritime, transport and agricultural heritage.  There’s the 125 tonne Doxford ship’s engine, an imposing 54 foot wherry from the River Tyne, wonderful enamel advertising signs, horse drawn-vehicles, an ‘iron lung’ and much more besides!  

The Regional Resource Centre was completed in 2006.  It is a treasure house of small and medium-sized objects, ranging from mine safety lamps to Edwardian telephones and early computers - all kept in a clean, environmentally controlled environment.  There is a well equipped Collections Access Room for study visits, presentations and exhibitions.