LOCAL HISTORY HUB BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN

About
Meet the Team
Upcoming Events

Local History Hub Blackburn with Darwen is here!

We’re launching something special in Blackburn with Darwen—a grassroots network of schools, heritage sites, and community partners working together to uncover and celebrate local stories. Our aim is to make the area’s rich and diverse history accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for young people and their communities.

The hub is led by Bethan Howells of Roe Lee Park Primary School (Schools Lead) and Alys Rouncefield of Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery (Community Lead). Together, they are supporting a growing network of schools and organisations committed to exploring local heritage—from industrial history to migration, activism, and everyday life.

Our first schools are already joining, and we’re starting to map out the people, places, and events we’ll explore together. Whether you’re a teacher, heritage organisation, or local resident, there will be plenty of ways to get involved.

👉 Complete our expression of interest form to get involved in the hub.
Or email us directly at enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk.

Meet the Team

  • Bethan Howells

    SCHOOLS LEAD

    Bethan is a primary History Lead with six years of subject leadership experience. Based in Blackburn with Darwen, she brings a deep enthusiasm for making history meaningful and accessible in the classroom. Passionate about the power of local history to inspire curiosity and pride, she supports schools in connecting with the people, places, and resources that bring the past to life. Through the Local History Hub, Bethan is building a collaborative network where teachers can share ideas, find practical support, and champion place-based learning. You can contact Bethan by clicking here.

  • Alys Rouncefield

    COMMUNITY LEAD


    Alys is an Outreach and Engagement Officer at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, helping people connect with the stories and heritage of the area. She works closely with schools on place-based learning and supports ongoing projects with a variety of people – from National Saturday Club to our own Creatives of Blackburn.

    Alys loves a good chat, especially when it’s about the local stories that make people proud of where they live!

    As well as running the Blackburn hub, Alys is also a Regional Heritage Advisor for North West England.

Upcoming Events & Meetings

  • Hub Meetings

    Initial Meeting Dates for 2025–26 Academic Year:

    • Thursday 16th October – online via teams.

      These meetings will help shape a collaborative programme of activity across the year, with Local History Day on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 as a shared focal point.

  • Local History Day 2026

    Join schools and communities across the Blackburn With Darwen in celebrating the stories that matter most—those close to home. Find out more.