Ryedale Folk Museum

1964-2014 As we celebrate our 50th year we thought it only right to tell you a bit about how we first began... We first opened in 1964 and have a long tradition of rescuing and preserving Ryedale's heritage but we would not be here today if it wasn't for the work of three particularly inspiring men; Wilfred Crosland, Bertram Frank and Raymond Hayes. All three lived in the village of Hutton-le-Hole, the museum's picturesque location, and rather that just despairing at the continued loss of buildings, objects and traditions from across the Ryedale region, they decided to actually do something about it! Wilfred Crosland (1876 - 1961) Wilfred lived in the cottage that now forms the museum's main office and gift shop. He was highly regarded as a local historian and antiquary, fathering the idea of a Ryedale museum in Hutton-le-Hole. It was after his death in 1961 that his sisters, Helen and Minnie, asked Bert Frank to take over his museum room. Bertram Frank (1919 - 1996) Th...

Blacksmith and volunteer extraordinaire Robin Butler turned 80 on Saturday 27th March. Robin had expressed his wish to spend his birthday at the museum, doing what he does best -blacksmithing! A lovely day was had by all and there was a big crowd to celebrate the event. Many local blacksmiths attended the party and each made a nail in the museum's forge which was then banged into the wooden 'birthday cake'. Below are two videos of the day, one showing some of the blacksmithing which took place and the other of the festivities in Fat Betty's . Many lovely photos were taken too so there's also a slideshow. A big blog post for a big birthday! C.Gough (pics by P and S Gough)