Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

3 homes, 2 crocs and a barometer full of leeches

Mark Edwards, Honorary Keeper of Whitby Museum

Just six weeks younger than its elder sister in York, and now in its third home (which itself has been added to three times), hear how Whitby Museum’s hidden treasure chest has survived the years – with two crocodiles and a lot of love.

…  And don’t forget the leeches!

NOTE: This lecture will be preceded by the Annual General Meeting of the YPS. If you are member and wish to attend the AGM, please arrive before 19:00

Report

In a most engaging, entertaining and informative talk, we heard accounts of Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society members influential in the founding and development of the Whitby Museum, and stories of its more unusual exhibits.

The early history of the Whitby Society is strikingly similar to that of the YPS. They were established within weeks of each other in 1822-23, and both created a museum shortly afterwards. Whitby Museum began in two rooms over a shop in the town, soon moving to the top floor of the then Waterfront Building that housed public baths below.

The Whitby Museum has moved on from these humble beginnings  and now resides in a magnificent building in the extensive Pannett Park. The original building, erected by the Society next to the municipal art gallery, was subsequently handed over to the Whitby Town Council. The Society nearly handed over the the Museum itself but under a High Court agreement its role is secured by a 999 year lease and a peppercorn rent. The building has been extended over the years, most recently in 2005 with a new wing boasting modern facilities including a lecture theatre and, of course, a tearoom. The Council is responsible for the upkeep of the building’s fabric, financed in part by a share of the Museum takings. The Society runs the Museum, which includes its library of over 7,500 volumes, almost entirely with their own volunteers. It has maintained a traditional Edwardian style of display in the Museum area and remains determined to avoid the current trend of dumbing down to the level of uninterested five-year-olds.

Ken Hutson