Fond farewell to Helen after more than 30 years at Ryedale Folk Museum

Helen Mason first joined the Museum in Hutton-le-Hole in 1993, having spotted an advertisement for a Museum Assistant in Ryedale’s Gazette and Herald. More than 30 years later, she is finally preparing to say goodbye.

“Helen's contribution to Ryedale Folk Museum has been quite extraordinary,” said Museum Director, Jennifer Smith. “As an exceptionally dedicated member of the team across three decades, Helen has devoted so much of her life to caring for the Museum’s collection.

“It would be almost impossible to overestimate the significance of her role – it’s through that collection that we preserve and tell the story of Ryedale's people, and Helen has accumulated an incredible knowledge of our region, its history and communities.”

During her time at the Museum, Helen has helped bring thousands of objects into its care. “She has met countless local people, listened to their family histories, and ensured that their treasured possessions – and the stories that accompany them – are carefully recorded and preserved for future generations,” said Jennifer.

As part of her role helping researchers, it is also thought that Helen has assisted with at least 40 books exploring the history and heritage of the region. “It's a remarkable contribution,” said Jennifer. “Helen has been a source of expertise for so many people, from those researching their own family histories to local historians and authors.”

Alongside Helen's knowledge has been a commitment to sharing it. “Helen has always been so generous with her time and expertise, whether helping someone identify an old photograph, answering a research enquiry or passing on her knowledge to other members of the team,” said Jennifer.

“Just as importantly, Helen has created such a welcoming and supportive environment for our collection volunteers. Some have worked alongside her for more than 20 years – testament to the friendships she has built and spirit of mutual respect – and a very special part of Helen's contribution to the Museum.”

Originally from the Greater Manchester area, Helen moved to Rosedale Abbey with her husband Colin in 1990. She was appointed to the Museum in 1993 by its then curator, Martin Watts.

In those early days, the job of Museum Assistant was nothing if not varied, from conservation cleaning and welcoming visitors at the front desk to helping with special exhibitions and working with visiting school groups. Although Helen officially retired from her Museum Assistant role in March 2002, her retirement proved short-lived. Just a few months later, she returned to take on a position more closely focused on the care and management of the Museum's growing collection.

Among Helen's final projects has been the cataloguing of a substantial collection of traditional stonemasons' tools, used by three generations of the Rickaby family, stonemasons and builders from Kirkbymoorside. “This seems like a very fitting project,” said Jennifer. “It's exactly the sort of history that Helen has spent so many years helping us to preserve – the everyday lives, work and daily experiences of the people who have shaped this area.

“Helen’s contribution to the Museum, and to the preservation of Ryedale's heritage more widely, is a lasting one. We really can't thank her enough for all that she has given us.”

In her resignation letter, Helen reflected on the pleasure that her many years at Ryedale Folk Museum have brought her.

“It is my time to say goodbye to the work that has given me more pleasure than you can ever imagine,” she wrote, also expressing her gratitude to the Museum team for their support over the years and for all the fun and laughter they have shared.

Jennifer concluded: “We will miss Helen enormously – not just for her incredible experience and dedication, but for the kindness, friendship and good humour she has brought over so many years. She has given so much to Ryedale Folk Museum and to the history of this region. It has been a privilege to have her as part of our team, and we wish her every happiness in her retirement.”