HERITAGE lovers wanting to explore the hidden history of Stockton High Street can come along to a special event to discover more and piece the past together.
On Wednesday 11 May Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is holding a celebration event at Stockton Central Library to showcase findings gathered in recent months by members of the public taking part in the ‘Stories from the High Street’ project.
Using information and documents from Stockton Reference Library, Teesside Archives and Durham County Records Office the project has seen participants research real life stories about the many historic buildings in Stockton Town Centre and the generations who visited, worked and lived in them throughout the years.
From 10am to 4pm there will be a range of speakers at the free drop in event including regional TV presenter and author John Grundy as well as local historian Bob Woodhouse. Stockton’s traditional Victorian sweet maker and shop keeper Alan Dursley will also demonstrate the art of sweet making using traditional machinery. Members of the public who have taken part in the project will also be on hand to recount the stories they have researched and organisations who have contributed their time and expertise throughout the project will also be present. Aspects of history will be brought alive throughout the day by costumed interpreters from Preston Park Museum.
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “If you would like to know what stories the High Street would tell if it could talk then this event is for you. The keen researchers from our ‘Stories from the High Street’ project have scoured documents for clues which, when pieced together, tell us how people lived, traded and worked on the High Street.
“We are holding this event during Local History month to celebrate Stockton’s rich past and make sure that it is preserved for future generations. I’m sure that anyone who attends will leave with a fascinating insight into the secrets the High Street holds.”
For current members of the ‘Stories from the High Street’ project and people interested in joining the group there will be a follow-on workshop on Wednesday 18 May at 10.30am to 12pm at Stockton Reference Library.
The project has been made possible by the Council’s ‘Grants for Heritage Buildings’ programme, funded by the Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Townscape Heritage Initiative.
For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/stories