About Us
Staithes Museum and Heritage Trust
Staithes Museum is a dedicated heritage centre celebrating the rich history of Staithes and its people, tracing the village’s heritage back hundreds of years. Our collection includes thousands of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that highlight Staithes’ key industries—fishing, ironstone mining, and alum quarrying—as well as its maritime legacy, including Captain Cook’s apprenticeship in the village. Visitors can explore lifeboat stories, maritime models and timepieces, natural sciences, and the vibrant artistic heritage of Staithes, along with the once-bustling railway that shaped the region.
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Founded by Reg Firth and his wife, Anne, the museum is housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed Methodist Chapel on the High Street. Since Reg’s passing in 2018, our team of enthusiastic volunteers, curators, trustees and donors have worked to preserve his legacy, ensuring the museum remains a vital asset to the community and a celebration of Staithes’ rich and important social and family history.
Our Past
Staithes Museum began as a labour of love, created by local historian Reg Firth and his wife, Anne, in 1993. Inspired by a deep passion for preserving the village’s rich heritage, the couple purchased the Grade II listed Methodist Chapel on the High Street and transformed it into a museum. Over the years, they meticulously restored the building and filled it with artefacts that reflect the lives and stories of Staithes’ residents—from fishermen and miners to artists and explorers.
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The museum’s collection grew, encompassing thousands of items that capture the essence of Staithes’ past, including memorabilia from Captain Cook’s time in the village, fishing and mining tools, photographs, maritime models, and local art. Reg’s vision was to create a space where the community could come together to remember and celebrate their shared history.
After Reg’s passing in 2018, Anne and their family wanted his legacy to live on.
Thanks to the dedication of local residents, the museum was preserved and continues to thrive as a beloved cornerstone of the village. Today, the museum serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Staithes and its people, welcoming visitors from near and far to discover the stories that shaped this unique coastal community.
Our Present
In 2018, after the passing of Reg Firth, the future of Staithes Museum faced uncertainty. Determined to keep the museum and its collection intact for the community, a group of dedicated local residents led by David Linley rallied to preserve Reg’s legacy. With the support of the village and beyond, they formed the Staithes Museum and Heritage Trust, working tirelessly to raise the necessary funds.
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Thanks to generous donations, grants, and a supportive benefactor who purchased the building, the Trust successfully secured £110,000 to acquire the museum’s extensive collection. This monumental effort ensured that the artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia remained together and accessible to the public. Today, the museum is run by a passionate team of volunteers, guided by the Trust, who continue to maintain and expand its exhibits.
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The museum thrives as a vital part of the Staithes community, welcoming over 22,000 visitors each year. With a growing collection and a commitment to preserving the village’s heritage, the museum is more than just a place of history—it’s a living testament to the power of community and the importance of safeguarding local stories for future generations.
Meet The Team
