The History of Beamish
Beamish is a tribute to the people of North East England and owes its existence to them. In the 1960s, the region was changing dramatically. The old industries of coal mining, shipbuilding and iron and steel making were disappearing, along with the communities that served them. It was essential that as much of their way of life was saved, and as quickly as possible, before it was too late.
For almost a decade, artefacts were collected quickly and on a vast scale, through a policy of 'you offer it to us and we'll collect it', until a whole army camp of twenty-two huts was filled to overflowing. A group of Friends actively collected for and supported the idea of the museum. Eventually, after much discussion and argument, the politicians of the region, representing eight local authorities, agreed to a joint management arrangement and, in 1970, Beamish came into being.
The rest is history! Thirty-eight years later, Beamish is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North East. More than 300,000 people each year visit Beamish to experience what life was really like in this great region in the early 1800s and 1900s.
What sets Beamish apart from traditional museums is that objects are shown, not in glass cases, but in context. Whole buildings have been dismantled, brought to Beamish, rebuilt and furnished as they once were. But most importantly, costumed staff are on hand to bring the past alive.