Hands on Heritage Day returns to Mansfield Central Library on Saturday 16th May from 10.00am to 2.00pm, bringing a variety of history-themed activities for all the family. This will be the 13th year Mansfield Library has hosted Inspire’s popular history event, attended by heritage groups and organisations from across the county.
Stallholders this year will include Mansfield Museum, Old Mansfield Society, Newark Castle Gatehouse Project, Newstead Abbey Partnership, Nottinghamshire Mining Museum, Nottinghamshire Archives, Nottinghamshire Family History Society, Nottingham Women’s History Group, Museum of the Mercian Regiment, DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum, Friends of Milton Mausoleum, and many more.
Attractions and activities will include heritage displays, pop-up museums, historical maps and photographs, family history advice, craft demonstrations, traditional toys and games, quill pen writing, dressing up, and an Edwardian photo booth. Visitors can also grab a bargain at the library’s local history bookstall and take part in a special heritage trail with a prize draw.
Inspire will also be launching its new Nottinghamshire Digital Heritage platform, giving visitors the chance to discover Mansfield and beyond through real community voices. Visitors can hear oral histories, watch video stories, and explore newly digitised archives.
There will be live music from the Red Hot Band, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. The event is free and no booking is required – just drop in. For more information and a full list of societies and organisations taking part, visit http://www.inspireculture.org.uk/HandsOnHeritage.