Complementing the reference library and photographic archive is the audio history collection, which includes tape recordings of North Eastern people from all walks of life. Since much of our heritage is preserved only in people's memories it is essential that we record as much of this information before it is lost.

The value of audio history cannot be underestimated, whether it is for recording historical facts, family information, stories, dialects, songs or music. It is invaluable for project work in schools or for reminiscence and recall with the elderly, forging a powerful link between the generations.

The audio history collection has been digitised and is now accessible via the search room computers.

The following audio files have been taken from a few of the many recordings made since 1970, when the audio collection was begun.

Click here ( or ) to hear an extract from an early interview with Frank Atkinson highlighting the importance of Audio history recording.

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