Whitby Museum

The museum was founded in 1823 by the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society, making it one of the oldest museums in Yorkshire. The society aimed to collect and preserve items of local interest, and over time, the collection expanded significantly. The museum’s establishment reflects the town’s commitment to education and cultural preservation. Its exhibits cover various aspects of Whitby’s history, from its role in the whaling industry to its significance in the field of geology.

Whitby’s geological importance is notable due to the abundance of fossils found along its coastline. The museum’s collection includes numerous fossils from the Jurassic period, offering insight into the prehistoric life that once thrived in the area. The museum also highlights Whitby’s role in the jet industry, with displays showcasing the locally mined black gemstone that became popular in Victorian jewellery.

The museum’s maritime exhibits detail Whitby’s history as a shipbuilding centre and a key player in the whaling industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. The connection to Captain James Cook, who trained in Whitby, is also explored through various artefacts and displays. Social history exhibits provide a glimpse into daily life in Whitby over the centuries, featuring items ranging from clothing to household objects.

What to see at Whitby Museum

Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of exhibits. The fossil collection is one of the museum’s highlights, featuring ammonites, ichthyosaurs and other prehistoric creatures found along the Yorkshire coast. These fossils illustrate the area’s geological past and are displayed alongside informative descriptions.

The jet collection is another key attraction. The museum showcases a variety of jet jewellery pieces, tools and raw jet samples. This section explains the process of jet mining and crafting, shedding light on an industry that played a significant role in Whitby’s economy.

Maritime exhibits include ship models, navigational instruments and artefacts related to Whitby’s whaling industry. The displays offer insight into the town’s shipbuilding history and its connection to exploration. Items related to Captain James Cook, such as maps, navigational tools and personal belongings, provide context to his time in Whitby. The collection includes a detailed model of HMS Endeavour, the ship Cook commanded on his first voyage of discovery. Additionally, visitors can view original documents and letters that shed light on his training and early career in Whitby, offering a deeper understanding of his contributions to exploration.

The museum’s social history section includes displays of Victorian clothing, household items and local memorabilia. This area gives visitors a sense of daily life in Whitby during different historical periods. One of the more unusual exhibits is the Hand of Glory, a preserved human hand believed to have been used by thieves in folklore. According to legend, the hand was cut from a hanged man and used as a magical tool to render people motionless or unlock doors. This eerie artefact adds an element of local superstition and intrigue to the museum’s collection.

Visiting Whitby Museum

Whitby Museum is in Pannett Park, a short walk from the town centre and the harbour. The park itself is a pleasant place to explore, with gardens and views over the town and coastline.

The museum is open February to November from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and for two months over winter.

Entry is free of charge with the National Art Pass.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit to the Whitby Museum.

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