June Round-Up: From Pilot to Movement

June has marked a defining chapter in Local History Hub’s journey—from consolidating our five pilot hubs to growing our national team and deepening key partnerships. With new appointments, expanding reach, and a surge of momentum across regions, we’re beginning to feel the shift: from project to movement, from pilot to something with real staying power.

Derby Launches: Our Fifth and Final Pilot Hub for 2025–26

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Local History Hub Derby, completing our five-part pilot for the 2025–26 academic year. This vibrant new hub will support schools to explore Derby’s layered past—from its industrial roots to stories of migration, creativity, and community organising.

Already, we’re hearing from schools, educators, and heritage partners who are eager to get involved. As always, the hub will be shaped through local collaboration—with teachers and cultural organisations working side by side to bring the city’s stories to life for the next generation.

New Appointments Strengthen Our Operations Board

This month, we welcomed three new directors to the Local History Hub Operations Board—each bringing energy, expertise, and deep alignment with our mission:

  • Gareth Clayton, Director of Strategy, joins with over a decade of experience in cultural funding and strategic development. His appointment marks an exciting step forward as we plan for long-term sustainability and impact.

  • Sarah Hartsmith, Director of Curriculum Design, is a leading voice in local history education and will shape our flagship primary resource, Our Homes, Our Stories, launching in 2026.

  • Liberty Melly, Director of Inclusive Heritage Practice, brings nationally recognised experience from the Migration Museum, championing stories of migration, identity, and belonging.

Together, they’ll help us grow with purpose—ensuring our teacher-led ethos remains at the heart of a movement that is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.

New Non-Executive Director: Welcome to Alex Fairlamb

We’re also excited to welcome Alex Fairlamb to our Strategic Board as a Non-Executive Director. A nationally respected curriculum leader and advocate for inclusive education, Alex brings deep experience in history teaching, research, and leadership. Her insight will help shape the next phase of Local History Hub’s growth, with a focus on curriculum quality and representation.

Community Leadership Grows Across the UK

This month, we welcomed two brilliant new volunteers to lead community engagement in their regions:

  • Alys Rouncefield, Community Lead – Blackburn with Darwen, joins from Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, where she leads inclusive heritage learning rooted in local collections and community voices.

  • Grace Redpath, Regional Heritage Advisor – North East England, joins with a unique blend of academic research and museum practice. She’ll help grow our presence across the North East and connect us with schools and partners throughout the region.

These appointments reflect our belief that real, lasting change happens when local people lead it.

New Partnerships: From National Influence to Local Impact

June saw the development of two exciting partnerships:

  • With The Black Curriculum, we’re deepening our shared commitment to inclusive, place-based education. Their expertise will help shape our work nationally—ensuring Black British history is meaningfully embedded across our hubs.

  • With Kids in Museums, we’re exploring new ways to connect schools with local museums, broaden awareness of heritage careers, and support initiatives like Takeover Day that centre youth voice.


Sector Connection: Local History Hub Joins The Heritage Alliance

We’re proud to share that Local History Hub is now a member of The Heritage Alliance—the UK’s largest coalition of independent heritage organisations. This membership connects us to national conversations, strengthens our sector voice, and supports our mission to make local history a living, learning experience for all.

Looking Ahead to July…

As summer approaches, there’s no slowing down. In July, we’ll:

As ever, we’re growing from the ground up—teacher-led, community-rooted, and powered by a belief in the stories that shape us.

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Welcoming Marie Woods: National Heritage Advisor for England

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Welcoming Grace Redpath: Regional Heritage Advisor for North East England