Acclaimed Museum Strikes Rich Lode

ONE of the region’s smallest museums has joined the Tower of London and Wigan Pier in gaining a prestigious award.

Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, in Weardale, County Durham, scooped The Sandford Award for Heritage Education from the Heritage Education Trust.

Previous attractions to be given the award, which recognises the excellence of educational services and facilities at the site, include the Tower and Wigan Pier, as well as Glamis Castle and Lichfield Cathedral.

The award is made annually after an assessment by an independent panel of judges and lasts five years.

In their citation they said: “Killhope Lead Mining Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to gain insights into the harsh life led by 19th Century miners through direct experience of the work they did and the conditions that they had to endure.

“The dedication of the staff and the power of the hands-on approach ensure that everyone leaves this site moved by their new- found knowledge and inspired to find out more about this important part of our national heritage.”

Killhope’s visitor services officer Shelagh Connor said: “We pride ourselves on tailoring the Killhope experience to the needs of all our visitors, particularly young people, whether they are with their families or in a school group.

“We want to do more than just meet their expectations and we have worked hard over the years to make sure we do.”

(c) 2008 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.