Washington Heritage Partnership
Celebrating the historic village of Washington, Tyne and Wear — birthplace of the Washington family and home to centuries of remarkable North East history.
Washington
Washington is a town in the Sunderland district, in Tyne and Wear, England.
Events
There’s always something interesting happening in Washington’s heritage and cultural life!
Network
Partners include: Arts Centre Washington, Bowes Railway, Community Opportunities…
About Washington Heritage Partnership
Washington Heritage Partnership was founded in 2022 to bring together partner organisations (with the support of Washington Area Committee of Sunderland City Council, and including Arts Centre Washington, Bowes Railway, Community Opportunities, Heritage Sunderland Partnership, National Trust Washington Old Hall, NE-BIC, NE Land Sea and Air Museums, Social Enterprise Acumen, Sunderland City Council, and Sunderland Culture) with a wider network of groups and individuals into a strategic partnership to promote, connect and champion heritage and culture in Washington, for all to enjoy.
Founded with the support of Washington Area Committee of Sunderland City Council.
Our Network
Arts Centre Washington
Housed on a 100-year-old farm, Arts Centre Washington houses a 120-capacity raked-seating theatre, two gallery spaces, a recording studio, artists’ studios and workshops, function rooms and bar.
NELSAM
The North East Land Sea & Air Museum – NELSAM – sits on the former RAF Usworth and Sunderland airport site, next to the Sunderland Nissan factory, and comprises of the former Aircraft museum (NEAM).
Bowes Railway Museum
Bowes Railway Co, first known as Springwell colliery and railway was built to carry coal from Springwell and other pits in north west Durham to the Tyne at Jarrow.
Projects
The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass
Over the past couple of years, we’ve been collecting people’s memories of life in and around Washington. We’ve heard stories of the early years of the Washington Development Corporation; Jimmy Carter’s visit to the town; memories of coal mines, chemical works, and new factories such as Timex; and even an inspirational tale of escaping domestic abuse in later life. These are collected and shared on a special YouTube playlist or you can click on the image above to access the audio directly within this website.
Washington Oral Histories
A finalist in the Heritage section of the North East Culture Awards, this superb year-long multi-partner project tracked the history of Washington New Town in podcast, song and visual art. It was made possible due to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to Lottery players.
Never Stop Learning
A volunteer-run adult education group committed to recording and promoting the rich history and future development of radical and life-changing adult education in the North East.