These events have been created in collaboration with Findmypast as part of their sponsorship of this year's festival theme, 'Everyday Histories' - exploring daily working life through the ages.
Everyday heroes
Meet Frances, the nurse who married a soldier she cared for in the Crimean War. Through and alongside their story explore how this war saw public perceptions shift from hero-worshipping military commanders to calls for better care of the common soldiers, often left battling poverty once a campaign was over.
Life in the laundry
Soap suds and steam get everything clean – discover the working world of women like Queenie Frankpit in the days before the washing machine! A brand new exhibition is ready to welcome you in the estate’s old laundry rooms. Based on Queenie's diaries there will be activities, historic equipment and clothing to help you explore the working lives of the laundry ladies.
Industrial artists
Women played a vital role in our ceramics industry, delivering exquisite artistry on a mass scale. In this special re-opening of two factories in the world famous Ironbridge Gorge, you’re invited to explore the lives of generations of industrious women who worked here, through new displays, demonstrations, activities and tours.
House full of stories
This beautiful house has had quite the history. Now a council office it has been a museum and a library, but this September we’re going back to its beginnings as a private residence. Discover the gardener who became an innkeeper, the widowed businesswoman who became a housekeeper, and the servants who married after meeting here.
Market traders
Take a trip to the market and pick up a bargain! This beautiful Victorian covered market is offering stories of traders past alongside its regular wares this September. Discover the butchers, the grocers, and the sisters who worked at Marks & Spencer’s ‘penny bazaar’.
Findmypast live
Immerse yourself in a day of inspiration with the family history experts. Discover some of the powerful local stories the team and the sites have been uncovering. Plus get top tips on starting your own family trees through special talks and displays at these two sites.
Heart of the community
Explore stories of the people behind the memorials, and those who lived in the surrounding streets of this centuries old city icon.
People at Peterloo, and more!
Explore rare archival material, including artefacts mentioned in the new Findmypast podcast 'A Family History Of…'
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
Find out more
Findmypast collaborated with these sites to research new stories as part of their sponsorship of this year's festival theme, 'Everyday Histories'. If you want more like this, check the special features tickbox option on the event directory for other places sharing stories inspired by research of their records by our local organisers.
- What's on? - Check for events near you, thousands more will be added in the coming months.
- Festival Spotlights - Be inspired for your event searches with our highlight posts.
- More stories on the blog - From climbing the career ladder with a Victorian gardener to the life of a miner in 7 objects, plus discover the dressmaker who loved toffee and the entertainers who lit up Blackpool.
- Findmypast - Discover your ancestors' stories and understand what their lives were really like.