The Weardale Museum began in 1984 when a small group of volunteers took advantage of a restoration plan at High House Chapel to convert the adjacent former manse into a museum dedicated to preserving Dale’s history and legacy.

In May 1985, a charity trust was established, and the museum welcomed its first visitors.

Starting with a modest collection centred on a genuine lead miner’s kitchen, a collection of local minerals, and the history of the chapel’s ancient chapel. The Museum has expanded and now houses an eclectic collection of local stories in its Tardis-like structure.

The Museum has established a family history research facility of over 70,000 Weardale individuals, which has been used by people from all over the globe to trace their relatives, thanks to the tireless efforts of its volunteers.