Local History Day 2026
Today, schools across the UK are marking Local History Day.
In classrooms, halls and shared spaces, pupils are exploring the people, places and stories that shape the areas they live in. For some, this will take the form of a single lesson or assembly. For others, it may involve a series of activities, exhibitions or opportunities to share learning across the school.
What links all of this work is a focus on place. Local history offers a way for pupils to connect what they are learning in the classroom with the communities around them. It helps make history more tangible and, in many cases, more meaningful.
A key part of this has been the role of local heritage sites. Museums, historic buildings, archives and community spaces provide a starting point for enquiry, as well as access to objects, stories and expertise that are rooted in place. For many schools, these sites offer a practical way to move beyond the textbook and engage directly with local history.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s Local History Day has been the range of approaches taken by schools. Some have focused on a specific local site or landmark. Others have explored change over time within their area, or drawn on family and community knowledge. In every case, the work reflects the context of the school and the interests of its pupils.
There has also been a growing connection between schools and heritage organisations. In some areas, museums and historic sites have supported planning, provided resources or hosted visits. In others, schools have brought local history into the classroom through photographs, oral histories and community links. These partnerships are an important part of what Local History Hub aims to support over time.
We recognise that not every school will be marking the day today. School calendars are busy, and many will choose to take part later this term or at another point in the year. That flexibility is important. Local History Day is not about a single day, but about creating opportunities for local history to be part of the curriculum in a manageable way.
If your school is taking part, or planning to in the coming weeks, we would be interested to see how you have approached it. Sharing examples helps build a clearer picture of how local history is being taught in different contexts, and can support others who are developing their own plans.
Local History Day will continue to develop over time. This year has focused on participation and raising awareness. In future years, the aim is to build on this foundation, supporting more sustained collaboration between schools, heritage organisations and local communities.
For now, today offers a simple opportunity: to take time to explore the history of the places we live, and to consider how those stories can be brought into the classroom.
