The Story
Discover the past, celebrate the present and create the future of County Durham.
Because this is our story – and we’re all part of it.
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Café will be closed on Wednesday 4 December from 11:30 – 13:45
What’s On?
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.
Our collections
The Story brings together five different collections of historic records, documents and objects. Together these collections reveal fascinating glimpses into the lives of people throughout County Durham’s history.
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.
Registration services
As the new home of the County Registration Service, The Story is where the most important life events of our residents will be recorded for the future. It is the central point for the statutory registration of births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, as well as a stunning venue for hosting marriages and civil partnerships.
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.
Get Involved
Volunteers are key to unlocking and sharing Durham’s stories, supporting people to discover the past, celebrate the present, and creating the future of Durham.
600+
tonnes of historic material
9km
of historical documents
900+
years of records
5
County Durham collections coming together for the first time