Lincolnshire libraries to host local history festival

The local history festival will take in the county's vast rural landscapes, covering the Wolds and Coast, the Fens, the Kestevens and the Lincoln Cliff, seeing renowned East Midlands historians present their discoveries in your Lincolnshire libraries. With over 50 events running throughout May, including talks, guided walks, exhibitions and family activities, you'll explore wartime Lincolnshire, discover community memories, and step back into the distant past.

As part of the festival, Sleaford Library will be hosting a talk entitled ‘The Sleaford Standard - a century serving the community’ Newspaper editor Andy Hubbert reflects on the history of the market town's local 'newspaper of record' and the significant role it has played in people's daily lives for more than 100 years. The event will be on Friday, May 8, from 2.30pm - 3.30pm, at Sleaford Library. Booking is required due to limited space, so contact [email protected] to reserve your seat.

Nicola Rogers, partnership manager at Lincolnshire Libraries said: “After the success of our first festival last year, we wanted to again mark Local and Community History Month and celebrate our county’s rich heritage. We’re delighted to be able to invite so many well-known speakers and groups into our libraries to share their knowledge and research as well as highlighting the fascinating local studies collections held in our libraries.”

Among the many other events and displays, Mablethorpe Library will be hosting ‘Washed up on the beach’ – have you ever found something usual, exciting or strange on the beach? If so, bring your treasures to Mablethorpe library on Thursday May 7, 2.30pm-3.30pm and share your story.

Mablethorpe’s history of manufacturing and industry will be the topic of Stuart Crosskill’s talk on Wednesday May 13 at 2.30pm. He will be looking back to a time when brick production and the gasworks were at the centre of the town’s industry and when the railway transported people to Mablethorpe for their holidays. Come along and share your memories.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the town council chamber and find out more about their role within the community, then join one of Helen’s tours on either Thursday May 21 or Thursday May 28 at 10.30am. There will also be a chance to ask questions and view the mayoral regalia and trophies.

Visit the Lincolnshire Libraries Local History Festival webpage https://www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/events-and-activities/lincolnshire-local-history-festival for full details of what’s on at a library near you, or pick up a festival guide at Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham, Horncastle, Lincoln Central, Long Sutton, Louth, Mablethorpe, Market Rasen, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding, Stamford or Woodhall Spa Library.