PEOPLE can discover how the shipping industry shaped the region ahead of the Tall Ships Races 2018 in Sunderland.
Durham County Record Office is putting on an exhibition at The Galleries Shopping Centre in Washington, from 9am to 5pm today, at Washington Library from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, and Washington Millennium Centre from 9am to 12noon on Thursday.
The sessions will focus on a map drawn up for the River Wear Commissioners in 1819, at a time when shipping was vital to the local industry. Before railways came into operation, ships were responsible for transporting coal from the growing Durham Coalfield.
There will be a display looking at the area around Biddick Ford and the chance for children to make and decorate paper boats.
Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to discover more about the region’s rich shipping heritage, while the craft activities mean the whole family can get involved.”
The display and craft sessions are being run by the record office in partnership with Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee.
To book call 03000 267 626.
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