Hands on History Museum

About the museum

The museum is housed in the Old Grammar School in Hull's Old Town, completed in 1583 and described by the museum as the oldest secular building in the city. It replaced a schoolroom that had stood on the site since the mid-14th century and was largely paid for by the merchant William Gee, whose merchant's mark can still be seen on the outside. In the 17th century the upper floor was used by the Hull Society of Merchants, while around 100 boys aged seven to 14 attended the school. Pupils included the poet and politician Andrew Marvell and the abolitionist William Wilberforce, who enrolled in 1766.

The merchants left in 1706 and the upper floor became Hull's first assembly rooms for dancing and concerts. The school gave up the decaying building in 1878 and it was used as a potato warehouse. In 1883 the vicar of Holy Trinity Church bought it as a clergy house and choir school, and a public appeal paid for its restoration.

Hull City Council bought the building in 1985 and restored it again. It opened in 1988 as The Old Grammar School museum, with displays extending into the neighbouring former Fish Street Day School and Church Institute, and was renamed Hands on History in 1997.

Highlights

• Ancient Egypt gallery with a real mummy and replicas of treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb
• The Story of Hull gallery on childhood, education, marriage, home and work
• Hands-on Victorian gallery and reconstructed Victorian schoolroom
• Hull's oldest secular building, dating from 1583

Permanent exhibitions

• The Ancient Egypt Gallery – A real Egyptian mummy and full-size replicas of Tutankhamun's tomb treasures made by Hull craftsmen for the 1924 British Empire Exhibition.
• The Story of Hull Gallery – Objects about the people of Hull, covering childhood, education, marriage, home and the world of work.
• The Victorian Gallery – An interactive space about children's lives in Hull between 1837 and 1901.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Hull Museums

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free and no booking is needed. Groups of 15 or more should contact the museum in advance.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has a lift, toilets including accessible toilets and wheelchairs for hire. Access information and guides are on the Hull Museums website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The museum promotes hands-on craft activities and an interactive Victorian space where children can explore the sights and smells of 1837 to 1901.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Trinity Square in the Old Town, next to Hull Minster. Cyclists can park for free at the Revolution Cycle Hub in Trinity Market, a 2-minute walk away.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a gift shop. Food and drink are available nearby, for example at the Trinity Room at Hull Minster and in the food hall at Trinity Market.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Venue hire is offered; details are on the Hull Museums venue hire page.

Plan your visit