What is the story behind Staithes Museum? It is a surprisingly complicated question. The museum is housed in the old Primitive Methodist chapel on Church Street, but the story of the museum is much more than the story of a building. It is the story of Anne and Reg Firth, who created the museum; of the people who helped to save it after Reg's death; of generations of Staithes families; and of the objects, photographs, memories and traditions that have found their way into the

Tucked into the heart of one of the most picturesque seaside villages in North Yorkshire, Staithes Museum is small in size—but full of stories. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another wander, here are ten reasons to step through our doors. 1. A Warm Welcome First things first—you’ll be greeted by a friendly face. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and they’re always ready to share stories, answer questions, or simply make you feel

Staithes Museum is a small, independent museum rooted in the history of a North Yorkshire fishing village – but what we offer for learning is surprisingly broad. Our collections, archives and stories span hundreds of years and touch on themes that work across history, geography, science, art, literacy and citizenship. This page is designed as a practical guide for teachers and educators. It explains what’s in our collection, what we’ve done before, and – most importantly – ho

It’s a chilly winter morning in Staithes, the kind where the sea mist hangs low over the rooftops and there are more cats than seagulls on the streets - all the birds are tucked up in the cliff, out of the wind's reach. I come in through the museum door and say good morning to Rosie, who has already got the kettle on. It’s quiet — winter is always a gentler season here — but that’s part of the charm. The first job of the day is to make sure the shop is ready. A few postcards

We’ve been hard at work at Staithes Museum on a big, behind-the-scenes project: cataloguing and photographing our collection. It’s not the kind of job visitors usually see, but it’s absolutely vital for looking after the objects in our care and making them more accessible — not just in the museum, but online and in our research archives too. Thanks to support from Museum Development Yorkshire, we were able to purchase new cataloguing software and take part in essential traini

We’re really pleased to share two new resources to help make visiting Staithes Museum easier and more welcoming for everyone. Whether it’s your first time visiting, or you’re returning with young children, a pushchair, mobility aid, or sensory needs — we know that feeling prepared makes all the difference. That’s why we’ve created: 📝 What to Expect – Staithes Museum A page from the "What to Expect" document This is a clear, step-by-step guide that tells you everything you ne

At Staithes Museum, preserving the unique heritage of our coastal community is at the heart of everything we do. This year, participating in the AIM Aspire Mentoring Programme has been a game-changer. Through tailored mentorship, the programme has been helping us tackle challenges, seize new opportunities, and build a stronger foundation for the future. About AIM Aspire The AIM Aspire Mentoring Programme, offered by the Association of Independent Museums (AIM), connects museu