The Story

About

The Story offers a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people. Bringing together our diverse collections of records and objects for the first time, The Story charts thousands of years of everyday life in the county. Visit us to explore history from a new perspective with free permanent and temporary exhibitions or join us to research your own story in our state-of-the-art research facilities. You can even create a new story by getting married or registering the birth of your new one here. And when it’s time to take a break, our café offers the perfect place to grab a cuppa and enjoy our beautiful grounds..
Here, fact is more amazing than fiction.

Access our Archives

Access to all collections is in purpose-built facilities on the first floor of the new building, with interactive screens and 16 computer terminals for accessing digital content, a secure research area (the ‘collections room’) for viewing collection items from the strong rooms and a separate reception area for enquiries relating to historic civil registration. On demand access to the Historic Environment Record (HER), the collections database and popular records such as church registers and newspapers will be available digitally in our ‘Search and Discover’ space.

While many collection items will be available ‘on demand’ some, including larger objects, will require several days’ notice.

Learning at The Story

Drawing on our combined collections and the many fascinating treasures they hold, our workshops are designed and delivered with the aim of educating and inspiring.