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Chance to explore hidden history
RESIDENTS have a rare opportunity to explore Hartlepool's hidden history this weekend.
The former Gray Art Gallery and Museum in Hartlepool's Clarence Road is to open its doors to the public once again as part of a national heritage open day event.
The building closed when the Museum of Hartlepool opened in 1994 as part of Hartlepool's Maritime Experience and the new art gallery opened in Church Square in the former Christ Church.
Renamed Sir William Gray House, it is now home to Hartlepool Borough Council's cultural services department and Tees Archaeology.
On Saturday from noon-4pm, it will be opening its doors as part of the event which offers people the chance to visit buildings which are not normally open to the public or which usually charge for admission.
Mark Simmons, the council's museums and galleries manager, said: "Heritage Open Days are a great opportunity for local people and visitors to discover Hartlepool's hidden heritage.
"Areas of Sir William Gray House will open to the public for the first time in nearly 20 years, including the rare opportunity to look behind the scenes and view the treasures preserved in our museum storerooms.
"We'll also be opening the neighbouring Second World War civil defence bunker to help celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
"It was originally the command post for Hartlepool's air raid defence network, and still has surviving features including a ventilation system worked by pedalling a bicycle."
On the same day, Mr Simmons will also be leading two guided walks around Hartlepool during the afternoon – starting at noon and at 2pm – looking at some of the town's Victorian buildings.
Those interested are asked to meet at Sir William Gray House and there is no need to book.
During the evening, from 6.30pm to 8pm, local expert Steve Robbins will be leading a special walk exploring the history of crime and disorder in the town over the last 100 years.
People are asked to meet at Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Square, at 6.30pm and again there is no need to book.
All of Hartlepool's heritage open days events are free, including trips up the Art Gallery tower for the best views in town.
For more information about the Hartlepool events call (01429) 869706 and for more details of Heritage Open Days events nationally, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
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Weather for Hartlepool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
