History Of Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

History Of Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is situated in the beautiful grounds of Stewart Park, close to a granite vase that marks the site of the cottage where James Cook was born.  It was opened on 27 October 1978, the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Cook.

The present-day purpose-built Museum replaced a small Captain Cook display formerly housed in a park lodge which was located at the entrance of the park.

In 1977 Middlesbrough Council decided to design and build the new museum as a tribute to James Cook.  The foundation stone was laid in the following January and the building was completed in September 1978.

The Museum tells the story of Captain James Cook, from his early life in Marton, Great Ayton, Staithes and Whitby through his three great voyages of exploration to his tragic death in Hawaii in 1779.

By the mid-1780s, a few years after Cook’s death in Hawaii, the site of the birthplace cottage was in ruins.  The new owner of the land, Bartholomew Rudd marked out the site of the demolished cottage in the yard of his new house, Marton Lodge.

When the estate was further developed in the mid-1850s by Henry Bolckow, who built Marton Hall, he marked the cottage site with a granite urn erected in 1858.  Today this urn still stands in what is now Stewart Park, opened in 1928 as one of Middlesbrough’s public parks.

In 1978, on the 250th anniversary of Cook’s birth, Middlesbrough Council opened a purpose-built museum to celebrate the great explorer’s life and achievements.

A major refurbishment in 1997-98 seen the displays refreshed and updated to include interactive displays.

A small Arts Council grant in 2013 helped to refresh these displays further which had long since aged. The galleries were restored to tell Cook’s story chronologically and interactives were replaced with wider items from the Middlesbrough Museums collection.

A further £250,000 Government grant was awarded in 2017 which allowed for a major refurbishment of the first floor of the building which included a complete refit of the museum’s learning space, collection stores and the creation of a new gallery addition to display the museums Indigenous Australian Aboriginal collection.

 

Captain James Cook

Captain James Cook was a British naval officer, navigator, and explorer who made three voyages between 1768 and 1779. He is known for his explorations of Australia, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands, as well as his contributions to cartography and navigation.

Early Life and Career

  • Humble Beginnings - Cook was born in Marton which is now Middlesbrough, in 1728. He came from a humble background and began working as a laborer before joining the Royal Navy at the age of 18.
  • Naval Service - Cook quickly rose through the ranks of the Royal Navy, demonstrating his skills as a navigator and cartographer.

First Voyage to the Pacific (1768-1771)

  • Transit of Venus - The primary purpose of this voyage was to observe the Transit of Venus, a rare astronomical event. However, Cook was also tasked with exploring the Pacific Ocean and searching for the mythical "Terra Australis Incognita" (Unknown Southern Land).
  • Exploration - During this voyage, Cook explored and charted the eastern coast of Australia and New Zealand. He also made contact with indigenous peoples in these regions.

Second Voyage to the Pacific (1772-1775)

  • Antarctic Exploration - Cook's second voyage was aimed at exploring the Antarctic region. Although he was unable to reach the continent due to ice, he circumnavigated the globe, making significant discoveries in the Southern Ocean.
  • Pacific Islands - Cook also visited several Pacific islands, including Tonga and Easter Island.

Third Voyage to the Pacific (1776-1779)

  • Search for the Northwest Passage - The primary goal of this voyage was to find the Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic.
  • Hawaiian Islands - During this voyage, Cook made his first contact with the Hawaiian Islands. He was initially welcomed by the local people but later became involved in a conflict that led to his death.

Legacy

  • Exploration and Cartography: Cook's voyages significantly expanded European knowledge of the Pacific Ocean and its islands. His careful observations and detailed maps made a lasting contribution to geography and navigation which are still used to the present day due to his accuracies.
  • Scientific Discoveries: Cook's expeditions also contributed to scientific understanding. His voyages collected specimens of plants, animals, and geological formations, which were studied by scientists back in Europe.
  • Controversial Figure: While Cook is celebrated for his achievements, his legacy is also complex. His interactions with indigenous peoples were mixed with courteous and respect but at times could also be fraught with misunderstanding and conflict.

Captain James Cook's life and voyages continue to fascinate people around the world. His legacy as a skilled navigator,explorer, and scientist is undeniable, but his interactions with indigenous peoples raise important questions about the impact of European colonialism.