The Story

The Grade II listed Mount Oswald Manor House has been transformed into The Story.

A unique gateway to explore the whole history of the county and its people. The Story is a world class facility that is home to some of the county’s most important heritage collections and a place for life-changing events.

The Story includes almost six miles of archives charting 900 years of local history, a new home for the Durham register office and an elegant wedding/civil ceremony venue, able to welcome up to 100 guests.

Visitors are able to visit permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore the history of the county through historic records, photographs and objects for free. The exhibitions bring to life the fascinating history of Durham from pre-history through to the modern day, alongside an exciting activity programme with storytelling sessions, kids takeover days, behind the scenes tours, volunteering opportunities and community projects.

Home to ancient archives and archaeological finds, records of bravery, and life-changing events, The Story brings together five historic collections for the first time. Available for everyone, online and in-person, these precious collections chart peoples’ lives from birth to death.

The Story also provides the permanent home for the whole DLI Collection, reuniting it with the DLI Archive for the first time since 1998. The collection and archive will be housed, stored, cared for, and curated at the site.

Discover the past, celebrate the present, and create the future of Durham at The Story!

Visit The Story website for further information.