The museum has received a Sandford Award for Heritage Education, an independently judged, quality assured assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections across the British Isles.
The achievement follows the submission of a detailed account of the museum’s educational activities and facilities and also an inspection of a schools workshop.
The Judges’ report for the award stated:
“Visitors to the Darlington Railway Museum can gain insights into the history and community of the railway industry in Darlington and the surrounding area. Its collections demonstrate the important role played by this town in the development of an industry which made Britain famous throughout the industrialised world.”
Chris Wellings, Learning & Access Officer at the Head of Steam, said:
“Receiving the Sandford Award is a fantastic recognition of the work everyone at Head of Steam does to engage our visitors with the social history of the railways in Darlington.”
Earlier this year the museum passed its latest VisitEngland accreditation in the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme , which enables it to continue to display the Quality Rose Marque.
As part of the scheme, all aspects of the visitor experience were examined by experienced assessors, from the museum’s website and promotional leaflets to the cleanliness of its buildings and customer care.
For more information about the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum and its events programme call 01325 405060, visit the website atwww.head-of-steam.co.uk or log onto www.darlington.gov.uk/darlingtonevents