Family History

What a fantastic resource !
I found out more in an hour at the Museum
than in three weeks at the record office

At the Weardale Museum we have a unique and powerful family history resource - a full transcript of the complete census of the entire parish of Stanhope (all of Weardale from Frosterley to Killhope) for all of the census years 1841-1901.  Altogether there are about 60,000 records, held as paper files and on the computer in Excel spreadsheet format. 

Our computer records are all linked to a Family History program which can sometimes produce amazing family trees.

The paper files can be browsed at your leisure during museum hours.  Very rapid searches can be carried out on the computer files - eg.  all 214 Pearts and their information from the 1841 census can be displayed in seconds.

To avoid disappointment in viewing our computer files it is recommended that you telephone or e-mail a few days before your intended visit since not all of our stewards are able to help. (01388) 517433

The Trustees of the Weardale Museum are grateful to the Friends and supporters who have gathered this information and for giving their permission to share it with other family history researchers.

If you are doing research from a distance we can conduct a search for you. There are no formal charges but donations are appreciated for this service.

Unfortunately our records do not extend out of the Parish of Stanhope.

If you are planning to visit the area for a few days see our page on Accommodation

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