The Museum was opened on Thursday, July 17, 1975, by Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

The Royal Train arrived promptly at 11.00a.m. at Shildon Station with Her Majesty in her favourite coach, the very same coach which will soon return to Shildon to go on permanent exhibition.

Her Majesty was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Lord Barnard and Lady Barnard.

After formal introductions to the assembled guests, Her Majesty boarded the Royal car for the short journey to the museum.

The sun was shining brightly, as Her Majesty was greeted by the cheering crowds.

From a rostrum alongside the entrance, she declared the museum open, and posed for photographers at the entrance, before going inside for a tour of the museum.

On her tour of the museum, Her Majesty was escorted by Councillor Vickers, Chairman of the Council and other dignitaries.

After unveiling the plaque to commemorate her visit and the opening of the museum, Her Majesty presented the museum with a signed portrait of herself which can be seen in the entrance of the museum.

The signing of the visitors book brought an end to the Royal visit, and the Royal Party left for lunch with the Earl of Strathmore, before going on to fulfill engagements at Bowes House, in St. John's College, Durham, and thereafter Beamish Museum.

Beamish Museum was the final stop of the Queen Mother's tour of County Durham, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.