Beamish Museum unveils its ‘Canny Creations’ exhibition for February half-term

Beamish Museum has launched its ‘Canny Creations’ exhibition for the February half-term where members of the public can get a first-hand glimpse of wonderful North East inventions from February 14 until March 1.

Visitors can head to the Pockerley Waggonway and enjoy a short steam train ride as well as learning about the development of Locomotion No. 1 - the first passenger service on the Stockton & Darlington Railway and a significant milestone in railway history.

There is also the opportunity to have a go at producing a charcoal drawing of steam engines at Pockerley Old Hall.

While at Pockerley Old Hall, members of the public can also learn about the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, which was founded on December 5, 1864.

At the drift mine, visitors can discover the history of George Stephenson’s Geordie Lamp in The 1900s Pit Village.

If members of the public head to The 1900s Town’s Co-op store, they can find out more about the invention of Swan’s incandescent lightbulb in and hear the story of how Domestos was invented.

In The 1950s Town, there is the chance to discover the story of the Robinson family, who opened Britain’s first self-service pet suppliers in Newcastle.

From Monday, February 16, to Saturday, February 21, there is an opportunity to make your own Meccano creations as well as your own catapult in the A Reece Workshop on February 17, 19, 24 and 26.

Even though there are plenty of creations to discover the history of, museum visitors are also invited to become inventors at the Masonic Hall, with a prize available for the best invention.

Paul Foster, Events Manager at Beamish Museum, said: “This February Half Term, we’re telling the stories of wonderful inventions and innovators from the North East. Some may be well-known to you but others may not be – there’s certainly some fun stories to discover!

“As with all of our daytime events, Canny Creations: Wonderful North East Inventions is included in museum admission and is free to Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members, so get those passes at the ready and enjoy a day out at Beamish this February Half Term.”

For more information at Beamish Museum this February half-term, visit: www.beamish.org.uk.