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 (shown right), known locally as St Cuthbert’s beads 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 rectangles. We are trying to date it, but experts are not agreed. Analysis of some of the threads indicate chemical dyes, introduced after 1860 but was it begun in the 18th century and finished in the early 20th century?

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.

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? Some have suggested that it used to make tassels. The flat spoon like end is smooth and suggests this part was held in the hand. The 50 pence coin gives an idea of scale.

Downstairs 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, who also sold musical instruments. It has ‘mouse-proof’ pedals.

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.
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 like 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.