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

Staithes has plenty of picturesque cottages, narrow lanes and lovely views — but look a little closer and almost every corner of the village has a story attached to it. Bill Hinchley was born in Staithes and has spent his life collecting those stories. In this heritage walking tour, created by the North York Moors National Park, Bill takes us around the village, sharing memories, local history, old photographs in our minds, and quite a few entertaining tales along the way. Th

" Youth with swift feet walks onward in the way, The land of joy lies all before his eyes." In 1927, a party of schoolchildren from Royds Hall School in Huddersfield came to Staithes for their summer camp. We don't know very much about the school from our own collection, but we do have something rather better: their school magazine, The Roydsian, in which the campers recorded their adventures. There is poetry about the cliffs and sea, an enthusiastic recommendation of Staithe

Hello, everyone! It’s a little late, but here at last is our July newsletter! It’s been a busy few weeks at the museum, with our Accreditation visit, filming for our new accessibility film, Issy’s work experience exhibition, lots of archive discoveries, and plenty more besides. We’ve also got Lifeboat Weekend coming up this month, followed by the Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage in September. You can read all about what we’ve been up to in the newsletter (click the button

From the Staithes Museum Newsletter, June 2026 For over two centuries, the face of Captain James Cook has been an fixture of global history, appearing on everything from coins and stamps to commemorative plaques and statues. In the museum he appears everywhere - from statuettes to sardine tins. However, for those who seek to find the "real" man behind the navigator, the history of his portraits offers a series of competing and often contradictory identities. As the noted Coo

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

We were delighted to welcome Nicola Chalton and the team from 3-Minute Arts CIC to Staithes Museum recently, as part of their Moors & Coast creative writing series. The group spent time exploring our archive collections, gathering inspiration from the photographs, letters, and local histories that bring Staithes’ story to life. Local historian Bill Hinchley also generously offered to provide a walking tour of the village - exploring the atmosphere and history of the villave.

Dear all, I’m delighted to share with you this month’s Staithes Museum Newsletter — follow this link to read! Inside, you’ll find: A big...

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

Staithes Museum's replica of the Harrison Clock At Staithes Museum, we often think of Captain Cook’s voyages as the height of 18th-century maritime exploration — voyages that depended not only on courage and seamanship but also on advances in navigation. Among the most pressing questions of the age was how to find a ship’s longitude at sea — a problem so difficult it spawned a royal reward and centuries of effort. Most people have heard of John Harrison’s marine timekeepers.

Forget-me-not ring donated to Jane Harrison, donated to Jane Harrison by a Birmingham Jeweller, after the 1815 fishing disaster which claimed the lives of 29 fishermen, leaving 16 widows—seven of whom were pregnant—and 48 children fatherless. This Memorial Board display is shown each year during the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage. It was created by local historian Bill Hinchley to honour the memory of the Staithes fishermen who drowned at sea. The memorial board is th

We're still working on our catalogue at the Staithes Museum. Here's what we've learned so far...

We are thrilled to present "What the Sea Saw," a captivating short film that delves into the rich maritime heritage of Staithes, Yorkshire. This film showcases archival footage and personal memories from the local fishing community, offering a poignant glimpse into their lives and traditions. Digital Drama Produced by Digital Drama, "What the Sea Saw" is now available for viewing on our YouTube channel. We invite you to immerse yourself in this evocative portrayal of Staithes

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