A HISTORIC pit in the town centre has reopened its pop-up museum for the first time since before the pandemic hit.
Barnsley Main - known for being the site of the ‘Oaks Disaster’ which took the lives of 383 people in 1866 - is a ‘rare survivor’ of South Yorkshire mining heritage, and has a colourful past of which volunteers are excited to share again with visitors.
Sarah Dewey, media manager for the site and volunteer for Barnsley Main Heritage Group, said: “We’re over the moon to be able to reopen.
“It’s still very much a work in progress, but we are really excited.
“We’re trying to get the local community involved to share family stories for our exhibitions.
“We’re particularly keen to get the word out to schools and local children’s groups, as we’re the perfect venue for outdoor learning and learning local history.”
The pop-up museum will be open on Mondays and Thursdays between 10am and 12pm.
