About Us

The Nidderdale Museum was founded in 1975 by a group of enthusiasts who shared a deep concern for the traditional way of life which they felt was rapidly disappearing after the second world war. Farms were adopting new methods, the former lead and stone industries had collapsed, and families were becoming dispersed.

Our premises are provided by North Yorkshire Council in the building originally erected as the Pateley Bridge Union Workhouse (1863) to replace an earlier workhouse on Bishopside Moor. It is now known as The Old Workhouse.

Apart from this assistance the Museum has been, and continues to be, entirely run and staffed by volunteers.  In 2017 we were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Nidderdale Museum Society has 150 members, with an elected Board of Trustees.  On April 1st 2022 Nidderdale Museum Society converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with  registered charity No. 1197116. 

Nidderdale Museum is a fully accredited Museum under the Arts Council of England scheme.  It is one of around 1,800 such museums.