Are you curious about diverse local histories?
Do you enjoy exploring and sharing information about your community?
Join our Community History Day to discover new research, learn heritage skills, and celebrate St Albans’ diverse stories - full programme details below.
All are welcome:
- whether you’re looking to share your research with a wider audience
- or you simply want to listen and learn from others
Book a free in-person ticket to reserve your space.
Alternatively, to book an online-only ticket for the morning sessions only: click here
For in person tickets, a complimentary light lunch will be offered.
Please let us know both dietary and accessibility requirements when making your booking by emailing: museum@stalbans.gov.uk
This event is in person at St Albans Museum + Gallery, but online tickets are available for the morning panel discussion and presentations.
If you prefer to attend in person but for just the afternoon or just the morning that is also possible. Please let us know by emailing: museum@stalbans.gov.uk
For more information, please read below.
What to expect from the day:
We’ll start with a panel discussion hosted by The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery. The session will be chaired by the gallery’s curator, Katherine Thomas-Ferdinand, community participant in both Mapping an Uneven Path and Our Stories exhibitions (St Albans Museums, 2024-5). In this inspirational opening, Katherine will lead a discussion with experienced researchers on the personal and social impact of uncovering community histories
Throughout the morning there are several 10 minute presentation slots for those keen to share their local history research – presentation slots need to be booked in advance, please email laura.lennard@stalbans.gov.uk asap if you are interested or to find out more. Slots will be confirmed in early January.
After a complimentary light lunch, there will be a choice of research skills workshops including:
- Recording oral histories – a taster
- Resources available at St Albans and District libraries
- Upcoming community participation opportunities at St Albans Museums
- Research surgery
We will finish the day with an open discussion exploring diverse experiences and knowledge held across our communities.
Knowledge is not only held in books; research is not only conducted in libraries.
We know that you, our communities, have vast knowledge and expertise and we would love you to bring along an object, document or image that shows something about your community that you would be comfortable discussing with a warm and interested audience. Please note that bringing something to discuss is very much optional.
Online tickets are available for the morning panel discussion and presentations.
If you prefer to attend in person, but only wish to attend either the afternoon or the morning sessions, that is also possible. Please let us know by emailing: museum@stalbans.gov.uk