Activities & Workshops

School children in 1900s Pit Village school.

Article Collection Section

Costumed staff member next to blackboard in 1900s Pit Village school.

Victorian Lesson

Experience a traditional lesson of reading, writing, arithmetic and drill with this Victorian Lesson. Children will sit in rows and use slates and pencils or pen and ink (depending on their age) to do their work.

Worth Fifty Horses

It is 1835 and pupils are potential investors in the new railroads! Before they invest or not, in this Worth Fifty Horses activity, they need to find out more information on the railroads – what are they for and what is their impact on society? 

Two staff members dressed in Edwardian costume, with messages opposing and for women's suffrage.

Suffragettes on the High Street – Campaign and Debate

Students will change into costume and hold a rally through the 1900s Town street, carrying banners and placards as they march up and down the chanting to encourage onlookers to join their cause!

James White – Local History Coal Mining Enquiry

A notice at the chapel in The 1900s Pit Village announces the death of James White (12 years old) who has died at the Pit. Children will be asked to play the role of investigators and, by interviewing different people, uncover what has happened to James White.

The Inside Scoop

Ever wondered why there are so many Italian ice cream parlours in the North East? Children will discover The Inside Scoop by exploring items from our collections before having a go at making their own ice cream!

Call to War – First World War

Children will be met by a Recruitment Sergeant, who will put them through their marching paces. He will inform them that a note has been found from a 15 year old boy who has gone to war.