Sunderland Maritime Heritage was inaugurated in 1999 primarily to raise awareness of the plight of the City of Adelaide which was under threat of demolition on the Clyde at Irvine, Glasgow.

The City of Adelaide was built at William Pile Shipyard on the Wear in 1764, and the intention of Sunderland Maritime Heritage was to save the ship and bring her home to Sunderland.

Throughout the campaign it became apparent of the lack of recognition Sunderland has for its Shipbuilding and maritime heritage, and as a result Sunderland Maritime Heritage broadened its remit to champion the provision of a purpose built interactive maritime heritage centre. Sunderland Maritime Heritage has premises, which are currently a mixture of workshop and presentation space. 

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We promote and maintain Sunderland’s maritime history through the use of an interactive visitor centre demonstrating the crafts, skills and trades associated with one of the greatest ship and boatbuilding centres of the last century.