January Round-Up: New Partnerships and Growing Local Networks
January has been a strong and purposeful start to the year for Local History Hub. Alongside the launch of several new local hubs, we have also begun exploring a national partnership that could support schools in engaging more confidently with local history, remembrance, and place.
Together, these developments reflect our continued focus on building teacher-led networks, strengthening partnerships with the heritage sector, and supporting meaningful, curriculum-linked local history learning.
Exploring a Partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Early in the month, we shared news that Local History Hub is exploring ways to work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to support schools in engaging with local history and remembrance.
Both organisations share a commitment to helping teachers approach complex historical themes in thoughtful and age-appropriate ways, using local sites and stories to support meaningful learning. CWGC’s work commemorating the men and women of the Commonwealth who died in the world wars offers powerful opportunities for pupils to explore history through places within their own communities.
As this work develops, we will be looking at how Local History Hub’s teacher-led networks can connect with CWGC’s education offer, including classroom resources, cemetery guides, and interpretative materials. We will share relevant updates with hubs and schools as plans progress.
A New Local History Hub for Accrington & Hyndburn
Mid-January saw the launch of a new Local History Hub for Accrington & Hyndburn. The hub brings together schools, heritage organisations, and community groups to explore the area’s industrial, civic, and community history, helping children understand how local history continues to shape everyday life.
The hub is jointly led by Hannah Saxton, Head of Heritage Development at Hyndburn Council, and Victoria Gregory, Assistant Headteacher and History Lead at Peel Park Primary School. Together, they bring a strong combination of heritage leadership and classroom experience to support practical, place-based learning across the borough.
A New Local History Hub for Durham
Later in the month, we launched a new Local History Hub for Durham. The hub will support schools in exploring the county’s rich and layered past, connecting local stories and landscapes with wider national and global histories.
The Durham Hub is led by Jess de Beer, an Education and Learning Officer at The Auckland Project. Jess brings a strong focus on education, access, and partnership working, with a commitment to building reciprocal relationships between schools and heritage organisations across County Durham.
A New Local History Hub for Coventry
January also marked the launch of Local History Hub Coventry. The hub will explore the city’s diverse history, from medieval and industrial heritage to stories of migration, rebuilding, and innovation, helping pupils understand how Coventry’s past continues to shape the city today.
The Coventry Hub is led by Helen Kerry, Learning and Participation Officer for English Heritage, based at Kenilworth Castle. A former teacher, Helen brings a strong understanding of school contexts alongside her heritage role, supporting meaningful partnerships that widen access and build cultural capital.
A New Local History Hub for York
We closed the month with the launch of Local History Hub York. The hub will support place-based history across the city, encouraging pupils to explore York as a living historical landscape shaped by many different communities over time.
The York Hub is led by Dr Ruth Mather, Community Engagement Officer at All Saints North Street. Her work spans working-class history, women’s history, and medieval heritage, and she is passionate about helping children engage with local history in ways that feel relevant to their lives and communities.
A New Local History Hub for Huddersfield
January also saw the launch of Local History Hub Huddersfield. The hub will support schools and communities to explore the town’s industrial and community heritage, from transport and manufacturing to everyday working lives.
The Huddersfield Hub is led by David Green, a PhD student specialising in transport and industrial heritage, with over 27 years’ experience across secondary, post-16, and adult education. David brings deep subject knowledge alongside a strong commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning, supporting schools to connect pupils with Huddersfield’s distinctive history.
Looking Ahead
January has set a strong foundation for the year ahead. Alongside new hubs, our focus remains on supporting Hub Leads, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that each local network develops at a sustainable pace.
Thank you to the teachers, heritage professionals, and community partners who continue to build Local History Hub through thoughtful, collaborative work across the country.
