Lincolnshire Libraries Local History Festival
“After the success of our first festival last year, we wanted to again mark Local and Community Month and celebrate our county’s rich heritage"
Celebrate the rich local history of our county at the second Lincolnshire Libraries Local History Festival.
This local history festival will travel across 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 local 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 Market Rasen Library will be hosting the following events...
The Conchie's and The Country Theatre
An exhibition documenting how a group of conscientious objectors formed a farming community and entertained themselves in the evenings during World War II through song, dance, poetry and play reading.
Understanding Heirlooms: History, Purpose and Preservation
Presented by Caroline Foster
Tuesday 5th May 1.30pm - 3pm
Heirlooms have a way of connecting the generations, but what is an heirloom and why is it so special? Join us for this fascinating talk as we find out how every object has a story to share. Bring your own heirloom.
Local Finds Under Your Feet
Presented by Dave Ebbage
Friday 15th May 1.30pm – 3pm
Local metal detectorist, Dave Ebbage has been uncovering history for over 45 years. How did he get started, what is involved, and what are the laws and protocols that surround this fascinating hobby? Some of his collection of thimbles, buckles, Roman and other coins, and brooches will be on display. Dave will share some of the adventures he’s had along the way including searching for lost personal items, assisting in locating a hoard of Roman Denarii (coins), and being on the “scene of crime” in darkest Gloucestershire.
A History of The Lindsey Rural Players
Presented by Gail Dennis
Tuesday 19th May 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Based at the Broadbent Theatre, Wickenby, the Lindsey Rural Players are a wonderful, vibrant theatre group but with very surprising beginnings, due in part to World War ll. Find out about their rich history and community involvement over the years as well as their links to the family of the famous actor Jim Broadbent.
Specialist Collections: Thomas Miller, Books and Manuscripts
Presented by Andrew Smith, Perkins George Mawer and Steven Smallwood, expert in antiquarian books
Friday 22nd May 1.30pm – 3pm
Bring your books/manuscripts of particular interest for comment or valuation. Then Steven will be speaking about the life and works of Thomas Miller, the highly regarded 19th Century novelist and “unlettered” poet from Gainsborough. Born into true poverty and self-educated, his natural genius shone through.
The Nature of Collections: A Journey Through Time
Presented by Andrew Smith, "Auctions and Antiques Advisor" at Perkins George Mawer & Co Auctioneers - with local collector, Caroline Foster.
Tuesday 12th May 1.30pm - 3pm
People of all ages have always collected. But why, what does this say about us and how have collections changed over time? What’s trending and what should we collect in the future? Bring a piece from your own collection, and Andrew will share his knowledge and experience.
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 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.”
Visit the Lincolnshire Libraries Local History Festival webpage Lincolnshire Local History Festival | What's On Lincolnshire 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.
Lincolnshire Libraries, operated by GLL, the not-for-profit social enterprise, on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council, runs core and mobile libraries across the county as well as supporting 34 community hubs.