There are thousands of exhibits in the Swaledale Museum arranged over two floors, from geology to current craftwork. We are working on an online catalogue with the help of our volunteers. The information below can only give you a flavour of the range and variety of material, all reflecting the history of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale - from when the first rocks and minerals were laid down, to most recent acquisitions.

We have a substantial section on local geology, which underpins the whole history of the two Dales. There are several geological cross sections drawn up from the 1820s, and a representative collection of local minerals, including a 120 kilogram lump of galena. The crinoids above are but one sample of a representative range of local fossils.
We are lucky to have a broad range of textile arts, including this fine double coverlet, embroidered in wool on linen sqaure. We are trying to date it, but experts are not agreed - was it begun in the 18th century and finished in the early 20th century?
There are lots of optical devices in the Museum - we have a trail - spot the spectacle, including monocles, pince-nez, lorgnettes and opera glasses. If you find 20 or more you get a prize!
Dr W.C. Speirs was the GP in Reeth from 1907 to 1968. His home and surgery were at Langhorne House on the corner of High Row, a fine late 18th century house that had been built for Adam Barker an agent for the local lead mines. The Museum holds a wide range of medical equipment belonging to Dr Speirs, as well as more personal items such as his 'finger Bible', visiting card case and spectacles. He was known as the 'Horse Back Doctor' because he used his faithful horse to reach patients in outlying farms, where new fangled automobiles could not get. He is remembered with much affection. Many locals who visit the Museum remember being treated by him, and owe their safe delivery into this world to him. The character of Dr Rowcliffe in May Sinclair's novel The Three Sisters (1914) is based on Dr Speirs.
We have on display a small range of baby bonnets, mostly from the late 19th to mid 20th century. Their tiny pin tucks, ruffles and lace work testify to the inspiring skills of women, and the love for their children. These are part of a much larger collection of clothes and lace held in store. The photograph opposite shows a detail from the crown of a delicate bonnet, which may be of 'chemical lace'.
We have a wonderful collection of old toys, including these lead farm animals that belonged to the founder of the Museum, used by her in the 1920s. We also have a fine Collinson wooden horse, wooden and china dolls, a bear on wheels, a tambourine made from an old document, many different card games, and much much more.
326 One of several mystery objects in the Museum, made of wood this bears an old label bearing the words 'Toss Claw' - we have no idea what it is, do you?
Upstairs in the Museum is the Sunday School Harmonium that came with the building. In 1862 the Wesleyan Methodist Day School became a Sunday School. The harmonium is now restored to working order and we invite visitors to play. It was supplied by J.B. Smithson of Leyburn, a well known local photographer.
Reeth was once a busy commercial centre for the Upper Dale. In the 1830s it had over 60 shops. The Museum holds a large range of material relating to local businesses, such as Jacksons the Drapers. Jacksons, which ceased business in 1968, sold a wide range of goods, from linoleum to corsets, perfume to Wellington boots. We are lucky that the Jacksons still live in Reeth and we have been able to research the business and its role in the community in depth. John Clarkson Jackson organised the reception of evacuees in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale during the Second World War, and the family are still mainstays of the Methodist Church in Reeth.
The role of the domestic kitchen was vital to life in the Dales. We have a large collection of domestic utensils, some still familiar - others perplexing to the young! We enjoy listening to grandparents explaining the way dolly tubs and possers worked, the cry of recognition as the packets of Reckitts Blue are discovered, and the sound of the wash board being stroked. Many gentleman remember turning the handle of the mangle for their mothers when they were boys. You can feel how heavy the old box and flat irons are, and work out how to use the goffering irons! You can even try on a pair of corsets, and a pair of the large Botany Wool knickers that were called 'Harvest Festivals' because 'all was safely gathered in'!
Our Museum is largely about local people, capturing through the objects they left behind a glimpse of what it must have been life to live and work in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. As well as our extensive family history archive we have thousands of artefacts that help us reconstruct their past. We also have many photographs, like these shown opposite. These large family photographic portraits were given to the Museum by Lorna Highmoor whose family farmed up the Dale for many generations.