Industry News

A County Durham culture, heritage and registration venue is celebrating its first anniversary this week, and what a year it has been.

From fascinating exhibitions, historic talks, interactive workshops and a specular illuminated trail, to conducting hundreds of fairytale weddings and registering more than 2,000 births – The Story has been a hive of activity since it opened its doors on 14 June 2024.

Located in the restored and extended Grade II listed Mount Oswald House near Durham City, the Durham County Council venue is a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people. It brings together five historic collections, including six miles of archives charting 900 years of County Durham’s history and the entire Durham Light Infantry Collection and Archive.

In its first year, The Story has welcomed more than 122,000 visitors and has engaged 1,672 children in the county’s past at its popular school sessions, workshops and weekly Small Stories group. This is in addition to the thousands of children who have visited with their families.

The collections team has facilitated the viewing of more than 5,000 historic documents and objects, with thousands more viewed digitally on the The Story’s enhanced online search facility.

Feedback on the venue’s free, interactive exhibition space and search and discover areas has been overwhelmingly positive, while the on-site café has been a big hit, with almost 21,000 cups of coffee and 14,500 cakes and scones served.

A varied programme of activities and events for people of all ages, meanwhile, has further established The Story as a must-visit destination for both residents and tourists.

The Story is also the home of the County Registration Service, and, over the last year, 708 couples have tied the knot in its ceremony rooms. More than 2,100 notices of marriage or civil partnership have been granted and 2,277 births have been registered.

Volunteers are vital to The Story’s success, providing support with learning activities, research and events. To date, 57 volunteers have contributed more than 3,500 hours.

Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The Story may be the gateway to County Durham’s past, but the last year has demonstrated its important role in our present and future too.

“It’s state of the art facilities and exhibitions are empowering people to discover more about their personal histories and connect with our region’s heritage in new and exciting ways.

“Special events and outreach activities are bringing people together, while the café has become a popular choice for locals to catch up over coffee and a cake. And, as the home of the County Registration Service, it’s a place where milestones are being made and celebrated.

“I’m delighted The Story has enjoyed such a successful year and I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their hard work. I know the team has some amazing plans in store for future so this really is just the start.”

Landmark moments over the last year have included:

• A visit by the family of Private Adam Wakenshaw to see the Second World War anti-tank gun on which he sacrificed his life, on display in The Story’s permanent exhibition space.
• A temporary exhibition about children from County Durham’s past, present and future curated by Durham Youth Council, which opened in October 2024.
• A temporary exhibition called The Forgotten Battle, exploring the 1942 Battle of Kohima in South-East Asia.
• The return of medals awarded to one of County Durham’s First World War hero, Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford, after they were secured at auction by the Trustees of the Durham Light Infantry.
• An illuminated trail featuring light installations, projections and a fire garden around The Story’s grounds.
• A sold-out talk by author Terry Deary about his first history book for adults, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies.

The Story’s latest temporary exhibition, All Change! The Social Impact of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the 200 Years Since 1825, runs until January 2026.

The Story is open every day and entry is free. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, visit www.thestorydurham.org.