New Local History Hubs for Tees Valley
We’re delighted to announce that five new Local History Hubs are being established across Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Hartlepool and Stockton, in partnership with Tees Valley Museums.
This marks a major expansion of our growing UK-wide network - a teacher-led, grassroots movement connecting classrooms with the people, places, and events that make local history meaningful. Each hub is built collaboratively by schools, heritage partners, and community organisations, with the aim of enriching the curriculum, strengthening community identity, and celebrating a shared sense of place.
A Regional Collaboration
The new Tees Valley Hubs will bring together schools, museums, archives, and local history groups from across the region, supported by the expertise of Tees Valley Museums, whose seven sites tell powerful stories of local people, innovation, and industry.
From shipbuilding and steel to migration, mining, and the cultural transformations that shaped the North East, each hub will explore the stories that connect past and present - helping children develop pride in where they live and a deeper understanding of how local history shapes identity today.
The Tees Valley network will be led by Jenny Wilkie, Creative Learning Support Officer for Tees Valley Museums. Jenny is a qualified teacher with over 20 years’ experience in the heritage sector, and a passionate advocate for learning beyond the classroom. She works with learning teams across the region to ensure every child has access to meaningful heritage learning and the cultural capital that inspires local pride.
Building Connections Across the North East
Jenny will be working closely with the Local History Hub team and other heritage professionals to strengthen collaboration across the wider North East. Together, these networks will ensure that every hub reflects the distinct character of its local area while sharing ideas and best practice across the region.
Seeking Hub Leads
As the Tees Valley hubs take shape, we’re now inviting teachers and schools across Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Hartlepool and Stockton to get involved.
We’re looking for a teacher in each Local Authority to act as a Hub Co-Lead, working alongside Tees Valley Museums to help shape projects, build connections with local heritage sites, and support curriculum-linked local history learning.
This is a flexible, voluntary role (around 2–3 hours per month) and a brilliant opportunity to collaborate with like-minded educators and heritage professionals to celebrate the stories that make your community unique.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a teacher, part of a heritage organisation, or involved in a community project, we’d love you to be part of this new chapter for Tees Valley.
👉 Find out more about the Tees Valley Hubs or complete our Expression of Interest form by clicking the following links: Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Hartlepool and Stockton,
📧 Or email us directly at enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk
Together, we can help children and communities across the Tees Valley connect with the stories that shape where they live.
