The museum pays a tribute to Whitby's greatest seaman by displaying a collection of exhibits which includes unique items of historical importance in the appropriate setting of the old house by the harbourside which for over two hundred years has been associated with his name. Built in 1688, the house itself is regarded as a typical example of a well-to-do ship-owner’s house of the period. Much is
known about the furnishings of the house from an inventory of contents taken in 1754. The two ground floor rooms are furnished according to this inventory and decorated in the original colour. The upper floors present a wealth of Cook-related artefacts, special temporary exhibitions, and the chance to climb the stairs to the attic room where the young James Cook once lodged.
