Created by a partnership between Heritage Open Days and UK family history website, Findmypast, the ‘Everyday History Heroes’ award celebrates the historic and cultural sites that champion the stories of ordinary people - from nurses and miners to teachers, soldiers and changemakers. The award centres on the grassroots histories that often go untold: the individuals and communities who powered industries, stood up for their beliefs, and built modern Britain.
History isn’t just about the famous names we learn in school - it’s about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today. We want to celebrate the amazingly diverse heritage and cultural sites that help us connect with people of the past, and understand how families and communities like our own lived, worked, and made their mark. I encourage everyone to explore the shortlist, discover a hidden gem near you, and cast your vote.
A total of 24 sites and teams have been shortlisted across England. Selected by a judging panel after Heritage Open Days organisers were invited to put forward nominations, the shortlisters feature a diverse mix of hidden gems. Each represents a unique or unexpected interpretation of everyday history, rooted in local communities and heritage. And they are all offering people the chance to explore their sites and stories over the festival this September.
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite site, helping to crown England’s first-ever 'Everyday History Heroes'. Voting is open until 31 August, with a national winner and seven regional winners to be announced on 10 September. Winners will receive a donation to help fund their community initiatives.
Congratulations to all those shortlisted!
Preview the shortlisted teams
Anna Sewell House
“Anna Sewell House is dedicated to celebrating the lives and achievements of women whose contributions to history have too often been overlooked."
Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground
“Through the dedication and time of our volunteers, we are uncovering the experiences of families, workers and migrants whose lives form an important part of Bath’s everyday history.”
Benhall & Sternfield History Group
“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted and believe it’s vital to preserve and share the history we’ve inherited to inspire future generations.”
Berwick Record Office
“Through our archives, exhibitions and events, we are proud to help people discover the everyday stories that have shaped Berwick and its unique heritage”
Brixton Windmill
“We love helping our visitors experience a vital part of London’s social history and keep the tradition of a working mill alive.”
Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum
“Our research project celebrates the stories of ordinary, often overlooked people who contributed to the completion of Clifton Suspension Bridge, and is building an international community of their descendants.”
Cragend Farm
“We are delighted to be recognised as a place where the stories of Northumberland’s everyday rural working people can be discovered and celebrated.”
Escape Arts
“We believe local history belongs to everyone and work to celebrate the memories, experiences and contributions of ordinary people.”
Friends of Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground
“We have transformed from a dead space to a living place powered by everyday people and their histories.”
Holkham Estate
“Through research in the archives, we can champion often-overlooked lives and show how they helped shape Holkham's rich heritage.”
Hollybush Conservation Centre
“Not all history heroes wear crowns, sometimes they wear steal toe capped boots - teaching traditional conservation skills and natural crafts, coordinating community history projects, and running family-friendly green events!”
The Friends of Horton Cemetery
“We’re proud that this nomination recognises the work of our researchers and volunteers for all that they do to restore the cemetery and ensure the lives of the 9000 are remembered.”
Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery
“Through finding the everyday stories of those buried in Jesmond Old Cemetery, we remember and preserve their lives and memories for all to see and share.”
Lancaster City Museums
“We place everyday people at the heart of history, transforming ordinary lives, memories and objects into powerful stories of belonging, pride and community identity.”
Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group
“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted and proud to shine a light on the hundreds of local people whose experiences and contributions to our town might otherwise have been forgotten.”
Moor Pool Heritage Trust
“By uncovering objects, research and untold personal stories that would otherwise remain undiscovered, our project is bringing the hidden working lives of Moor Pool’s residents back to life, connecting past and present.”
Friends of Newark Town Hall
“Through our events, exhibitions and volunteer research, we aim to bring the stories of the town’s ordinary residents to life and help people connect with the generations who shaped Newark’s past.”
Friends of Nottingham Road Cemetery
“We are transforming Nottingham Road Cemetery into a living archive that reconnects families, inspires communities and ensures everyday histories are never forgotten.”
Otley Courthouse
“Being shortlisted is a fantastic opportunity to share these fascinating stories more widely, bringing the building to life and celebrating the history of this lively market town.”
St Peter's Church Stockport
“By sharing their struggles, courage and resilience we hope to inspire others and maybe even trace family members who have no idea these brave men are remembered in St Peter's.”
Pankhurst Museum
“By championing the stories of ordinary people whose courage changed history, we inspire new generations to recognise that they too have the power to make a difference.”
Royal Victoria Chapel
“We uncover and share the Royal Victoria Hospital’s forgotten stories, making history personal, participatory and meaningful for communities today.”
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
"While Shakespeare’s work, life and times are known around the world, we’re also passionate about uncovering the stories of the ordinary people connected to Shakespeare’s Family Homes.”
Worle History Society
“Being shortlisted is a wonderful recognition of the hard work our small team do to bring local history to life and connect people with the generations who shaped Worle and preserve for future generations to enjoy.”