Antiquarians ready for reopening day
A thriving Sunderland society has revamped its headquarters as it gets ready to welcome back the public.
The new-look Sunderland Antiquarian Society base in Douro Terrace will reopen on Wednesday, June 2, at 9.30 am and then be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9.30am to 12pm, with an array of new attractions.
There are displays such as a mannequin from Notarianni’s and a poster display advertisingboxing on Wear side. A giant 60-inch display screen shows historic photos of Wearside and new illuminated cabinets are filled with memorabilia.
Antiquarian Phil Curtis said: “We have got new signs, Perspex screens in the research rooms, new carpets and we have decorated. A lot has been revamped.
"Our membership has gone up to and we are now standing at 1,040 members. We believe we are the largest society of its kind outside of London.”
Phi ladded :“We are looking forward towel coming back our members as well as members of the public. You don’t have to be a member to come in.”
The pandemic has hugely helped the society because people have had more time to look at their own past and the history surrounding it.
The dark nights have also meant more people turned to the internet and local history during the winter, said fellow Antiquarian Linda King.
Enquiries to the society have gone up during lock down. So have membership levels with recruits coming from countries including Australia, Canada and the Bahamas.
Anyone coming to the society headquarters should‘ bring their own pencils so that we do not have to re-sanitise’, said Phil.
The society has been closed since mid-March last year. The membership levels have shot up with 100 more since January this year.
Officials stress that safeguardingis very important and masks must still be worn except in the refreshment room. People must also use the hand sanitiser in the lobby.
For those who can not get to the centre, the Antiquarian Society also has a fact-filled website on the history of Sunderland, including a members area with features and photographs.
The Antiquarian Society, founded in 1900, holds extensive archives amassed and donated by the people of Sunderland.
To find out more, visit the websiteathttp://www.sunderland-antiquarians.org