Sensory Storytelling

Discover history through stories you can see, touch, hear and smell! Step back in time and experience the life and stories of mining communities through our Sensory Storytelling sessions – designed especially for adults with learning disabilities and people living with Dementia.

Each story invites you to explore the sights, sounds, smells and textures of life in and around the pits. You’ll even handle real objects from our collection!

These immersive sessions are fun, inclusive, and accessible, offering a new way to connect with your local heritage, share stories, and spark reminiscence.

Sessions are available at the Museum on Wednesdays and Thursdays during term-time (subject to volunteer availability).

To book a session in advance, please contact imogen.walsh@ncm.org.uk

You can also ask about availability at reception when you visit. Each story lasts around 30 minutes and is designed for small groups of up to 10 people.

You can choose from:

• A Holiday with Grandma and Grandad – Take a trip to a 1970s pit village and discover what home life was like for miners and their families. (Theme: Home)
• Fit for a Queen – Step into the shoes of a young pony driver from Yorkshire who has a royal encounter in the 1950s. (Theme: Animals)
• A Walk Around Royston – Wander through the streets of a 1950s pit village, inspired by the community scenes in Betty Miller’s bronze sculptures. (Theme: Community)
• Your First Day at the Pit – Get ready for work, meet your new mates, and find out what life was really like underground. Created especially for groups with more complex needs, this story focuses on sensory role play with textures, sounds, and scents for a relaxed, hands-on experience. (Theme: Work)

Can’t make it to the museum? No problem. You can download our story resources and recreate the experience wherever you are using items from your own setting like songs, smells and everyday objects, to make the story unique to your group.

We can also loan you a storytelling box that includes everything you need for a short 30-minute session – perfect for day services, community groups, or reminiscence sessions with older adults or people living with dementia.

To discuss borrowing a story box, please contact imogen.walsh@ncm.org.uk.