Published April 01, 2009
A brand new exhibition that charts the stories of Weardale families who influenced world events opens a new season at a top County Durham museum.
Routes and Riches : Journeys to New Lands opens at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, today. (Wednesday, April 1) The Durham County Council-run museum, which is the current One North East visitor attraction of the year, will host the exhibition until November.
It brings together research, artwork and films from the local community, historians, artists and schools in the area and tells the stories of those who left the dale and its declining industries to face new challenges in towns and cities in the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Searching for better prospects, they often gave up everything as they ventured into the unknown to influence world events and make history.
The exhibition is a part of a partnership project developed by Weardale Community Partnership, Killhope Museum, Harehope Quarry Project, Weardale Museum, Durham Records Office, Twisted Digits UK and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Killhope, which also has a dazzling display of minerals, mine trips, and woodland and lakeside walks, is open daily from 10.30am to 5.00pm.
A full programme of events is available from Killhope on 01388 537 505, email info@killhope.org.uk or visit www.killhope.org.uk.
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