Half-Term History Hunt
February 24, 2022
The History Hunt took place during half term on 24 February 2022, at Blackhall Community Centre, and was another important step for the Street Museum: Blackhall project.
The Street Museum and Blackhall team led a fun-filled day to entertain the whole family during half-term as well as providing an interactive way to find new connections between the local history of Blackhall and Durham University’s collections.
Families had the opportunity to help the Blackhall and Street Museum team piece together the Kasko shipwreck. Kasko was a 628-ton steel steamship and in February 1920 while en-route from Gothenburg to the Tees in thick-fog and heavy seas it was stranded on Black Hall Rocks. The crew reached the shore safely but, despite repeated efforts to pull the ship clear, it stayed fast on the rocks and eventually broke up. This was a great opportunity to learn more about Blackhall’s own history.
There were also fun activities based around Ancient Egypt, with a Pharoah’s crown crafting activity. Alongside some very exciting news about what items will be 3D printed to be exhibited at the Street Museum exhibition! Fancy dress and decorations were used again to build excitement and participations with visitors.
The Mystery of the Ancient Egyptian Queen
Meet the surprise guest on the stage (behind the curtain) and ask questions about the mysterious statue which is being 3D printed for Street Museum, then vote to see if you think the statue is of Cleopatra or Queen Tye. Make your own Double Egyptian Crown in the hall.
Diving into History: The Kasko and Underwater Archaeology
Hear about the Kasko Shipwreck on Blackhall Rocks, see and handle some examples of underwater finds, then make your own shipwreck in a jar!
All Over the Map - Mapping Blackhall's Treasures
Make a giant ‘treasure’ Map of Blackhall by drawing your own house or treasure from the village. Make bunting to decorate the centre during the Street Museum Launch (people design their own piece of bunting based on something from Blackhall or an object being 3D printed for the exhibition).
Get Involved
We’d love to hear from you! If you are a community member who’d like to bring Street Museum to your neighbourhood, or a cultural, arts or science organisation looking to connect with your communities in a direct way, a technology company with a relevant new product, or you’re just interested and want to know more – just drop Ged a line on [email protected].