Nottinghamshire Local History Fair: Hands On Heritage Day
Hands On Heritage Day returns to Mansfield Central Library on Saturday 16th May from 10.00am to 2.00pm, offering a wide range of free, history-themed activities for all the family. This will be the 13th year the library has hosted Inspire’s popular event, which attracts heritage groups and organisations from across the county.
Visitors can enjoy heritage displays, pop-up museums, historical maps and photographs, mining artefacts, family history advice, craft demonstrations, traditional toys and games, quill pen writing, dressing up and an Edwardian photo booth. There will also be a local history bookstall and a special heritage trail with a prize draw.
Inspire will be launching its new Nottinghamshire Digital Heritage platform at the event, giving visitors the chance to explore local history through oral histories, video stories and newly digitised archives. Live music will be provided by the Red Hot Band, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Entry is free and no booking is required. Further information, including a full list of participating organisations, can be found at http://www.inspireculture.org.uk/HandsOnHeritage.
Family History Course: Tracing Your Ancestors Using the Census
A three-week family history course will take place at Retford Library, starting on Saturday 6th June from 10.00am to 12.00pm. The course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to use historical census records effectively, particularly those struggling to locate ancestors.
Participants will explore the history of the census, including when and why it was introduced, how it was conducted and what information was collected over time. The course also covers how to read and interpret census returns, where to access records online and how to develop effective search techniques.
There is a strong practical element, with around half of each session dedicated to hands-on activities, including researching personal family history. Laptops will be provided, with free access to Ancestry.com available in Inspire Libraries.
The course costs £24.00, although it may be free for those in receipt of certain benefits. Places are limited and advance booking is essential. To book, visit http://www.inspireculture.org.uk/CensusCourseJune26, call 01623 677200 or email learning@inspireculture.org.uk.