Posted on Wednesday 4th September 2024
Cllr Victoria Wilson at Stafford Library
September sees the start of the annual Staffordshire History Festival and people are invited to a packed programme of events and activities.
The event organised by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries and arts service and the archives and heritage service will run during September and October. The festival is a celebration of the county’s history and culture.
Highlights include a Heritage Open Day at the Museum stores in Stafford on Tuesday 10 September with a rare opportunity to see some of the museums hidden treasures. Perton Library History Fair on Saturday 12 October will see a host of historical stalls, exhibitions, re-enactors, and enthusiasts. Other activities include historic talks, heritage walks, exhibitions along with a host of online events and social media.
Last year more than eight thousand people took part in activities with more joining in online.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Once again it’s wonderful to be celebrating our past, our heritage and our culture in this year’s history festival.
“This is a wonderful celebration of our county’s past and a great opportunity for people to learn more about our fascinating history. I’m incredibly proud of the team who have created a really inspiring programme of events. There’s something for everyone from talks to walks and exhibitions to book launches. I’d urge people to keep following our libraries and archives on social media and get some events booked in.”
Talks from local historians and authors, including David Robbie, Andrew Lound, Alannah Tomkins and Morwenna Rae will also take place in selected libraries.
Tamworth library will host a ‘History of Tamworth’ exhibition, while a celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Nicholson Institute in Leek will run.
Libraries in Stafford will be exploring cinema heritage and the history of shopping. People can also ‘Go Behind the Curtain’ of the Staffordshire Gatehouse with a fabulous talk. Discover the story of the Ancient High House and meet the author, Nick Thomas, at Stafford Library.
The Archives and Heritage team will also be running a brand-new walking tour in Stafford on September 26 exploring entertainment venues from years gone by. More information can be found on the Staffordshire History Centre.
Libraries in Biddulph, Uttoxeter and Perton are working with creative organisations, who will be offering tabletop interactive history themed activities for all the family. People can also meet members of the Community Learning and Family Hub teams who can explain about courses available.
The Staffordshire History Festival comes at a time as the county council develops it’s cultural strategy. The plan recognises and promotes the contribution culture, heritage, sport and leisure make towards Staffordshire being a great place to live and work.
Further details on Staffordshire History Festival events are available on the website.