Manchester Histories
Manchester Histories is an award-winning charity that works collaboratively to reveal, share and celebrate Greater Manchester’s diverse histories and heritage. We connect people to explore the past and shape the future. Our projects and events include the biennial Manchester Histories Festival. Manchester Histories Hub is located in Manchester Central Libray. A place to explore the rich histories & heritage of Greater Manchester. Manchester Histories CEO is the chair of the HiDDEN network.
Chetham's Library
Founded in 1653 Chetham's library is believed to be the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, and is housed in a well-preserved medieval college. The entire collection has been designated as one of national and international importance and you can explore this treasure in the heart of Manchester. As well as early printed books, the collections include a wealth of ephemera, manuscript diaries, letters, deeds, prints and paintings!
The Co-operative Heritage Trust
The Co-operative Heritage Trust was established in 2007. Its founding members are the Co-operative Group, Co-operative College, and Co-operatives UK. The Trust looks after the Archive which is located in Manchester and the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. Its aims are to make the history of the co-op movement accessible to all. Their collections cover the history of the British Co-operative Movement in documents, film, photography as well as packaging, advertising and other media. Personal papers include those of leading co-operators such as Robert Owen, George Jacob Holyoake and Edward Owen Greening.
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Elizabeth Gaskell's House in Manchester was the home of the famous author and her family. Her novels include Mary Barton, Cranford, North and South, Ruth and Wives and Daughters and are enjoyed on television, stage and radio. This beautifully restored home is now open to the public. It has spectacular period rooms and garden and a tea room for visitors to enjoy. There is also a programme of special activities.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Explore Manchester's hidden past - an eerie underworld, where police officers were kept busy apprehending unsavoury characters of all ages. The Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives enables you to experience what life was like for these officers. Come and see our 1879 Police Station, visit the cells and stand in a real Victorian Magistrates court!
Heaton Park Tramway
The Manchester Transport Museum Society Ltd is a registered charity, set up in the early 1960s as the Manchester Transport Historical Collection. The key project the group took on was the restoration of Manchester single deck California car 765. Having rescued the tram from the moors above Huddersfield, it was taken to the tramway museum at Crich in Derbyshire, where early restoration work took place. Further restoration was undertaken in Manchester and the restored car returned to Crich, operating for a couple of seasons.
Manchester Jewish Museum
Manchester Jewish Museum is a place to experience how we are different, together. They share the stories of Jewish Manchester with the world. Located on Cheetham Hill Road, one of the most culturally diverse areas in Manchester, the newly redeveloped museum includes a brand new gallery, vegetarian café, shop and learning studio & kitchen as well as complete restoration of its beloved Grade II* listed 1874 synagogue.
Museum of Transport
Discover Greater Manchester's public road transport history with the Museum of Transport. Take a trip back in time with one of Britain's biggest collections of restored buses, coaches and trams. From a Victorian horse drawn bus to the prototype Metrolink tram, see and sit in fascinating vehicles that took Greater Manchester folk to work, shops and outings to the coast and the countryside.
The Pankhurst Centre
The Pankhurst Centre is the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel, Sylvia and Adela and is the first place where the meetings of the WSPU, later known as the Suffragette movement, was held in october 1903. The Centre now houses a small museum/Heritage Centre which remains as a legacy to the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement, and is open to all.
The Portico Library
One of Manchester’s longest-running institutions, the Portico is a subscription library and newsroom whose historic collection of over 25,000 books and archives spans over 450 years. Alongside our members’ services, everyone is welcome to enjoy our free exhibitions; take part in our events and workshops; dine in our cafe; discover our history; and immerse themselves in our beautiful Regency-period building.
RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
The RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments holds over 300 instruments mostly originating from Europe, Africa and Asia. The oldest instrument was created in around the 1540s (a harpsichord) with the majority of the collection originating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The eclectic collection includes a number of keyboards by Broadwood; viols by Barak Norman and Collingwood; violins by Stradivarius and Guarnerius, together with some interesting musical curiosities. The collection is open sporadically in line with concerts but group visits can happily be accommodated.
Victoria Baths
Visit Victoria Baths to experience rich architecture, unique arts events, stories of swimming, love, laughter and triumph. Create your own memories in this inspirational Grade II listed building, that served the community for 86 years and is still being returned to its former glory. Discover rich terracotta, decorative stained glass, and sumptuous tiles and mosaics as you step inside.
Working Class Movement Library
Working people have always struggled to get their voices heard. The Working Class Movement Library records over 200 years of organising and campaigning by ordinary men and women. The collection provides a rich insight into working people's daily lives as well as their thoughts, hopes, fears and the roles they played in the significant events of their time.
