About us
What is Remembering the Past?
Remembering the Past is a volunteer led charity which collects and manages a digital collection of stories, sound recordings and memorabilia which reflect every aspect of local life in North Tyneside since the turn of the twentieth century. We began collecting memories in 1997 and our collection is one of the longest running and diverse community history archives in the country.
Why we do what we do?
Hidden away in the minds of people all over North Tyneside are fascinating memories of life throughout the twentieth century. We are committed to ensuring that this priceless material is saved for future generations and that the special people who share their stories realise what an important role they can play in creating such an important resource.
We are passionate about encouraging people to realise how important their life experience is and how it can add a vibrant context to what could be just bare facts. We feel strongly that this is the way to give local communities a voice and a presence in the telling of the area’s history.
An example from our collection
Turning today’s memories into tomorrow’s history
The lady telling the story had just celebrated her 100th birthday when she told it to us and her recollections encapsulate the joy of our work. The memory is invaluable and she thoroughly enjoyed sharing it with us.
A Little Of Our Story
Our own history
Remembering the Past was set up in 1997 by North Shields Library Club as a means of meeting the need for innovative and engaging responses to the issues around loneliness and social isolation of older people which had been identified in North Tyneside at that time. In particular, the founders wanted to address the common fear of digital technology, using the collection of memories and life experiences as their method of engagement. This resulted in the creation of a website which was, and still is maintained by volunteers who were trained in the skills required to manage it. Our aim was always to create a site that was easy to access by novices in the digital world and filled with content that would hold their interest.