A New Local History Hub for Accrington & Hyndburn

We’re delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new Local History Hub for Accrington & Hyndburn. This marks another important step in the continued growth of our UK-wide network - a teacher-led, grassroots movement connecting classrooms with the people, places, and histories that make local heritage meaningful. Each hub is built collaboratively by schools, heritage partners, and community organisations, with the aim of enriching the curriculum, strengthening community identity, and celebrating a shared sense of belonging.

Exploring Accrington & Hyndburn’s Local Heritage

The Accrington & Hyndburn Hub will bring together schools, museums, archives, and community groups to explore the area’s rich and diverse past - from its industrial and civic history to the everyday stories of the communities that have shaped the borough over time. Through classroom learning and wider community collaboration, the hub will help children and young people connect with the places they know and understand how local history continues to influence life today.

The hub is jointly led by Hannah Saxton and Victoria Gregory, combining strong heritage leadership with deep classroom experience.

Hannah Saxton is Head of Heritage Development at Hyndburn Council, where she is responsible for delivering a new heritage venue in Accrington. Her work spans heritage venues, events, and community engagement, with a particular focus on working with under-represented groups and using heritage-led placemaking to build pride and aspiration for young people.

Victoria Gregory is Assistant Headteacher, LKS2 Phase Lead, and History Lead at Peel Park Primary School. A primary teacher since 2019, Victoria is passionate about local history and about helping pupils discover the stories that shape their community, ensuring classroom learning is rooted in place and relevance.

Together, Hannah and Victoria will support teachers and pupils to connect learning with local stories, landmarks, and collections, helping local history become a meaningful and visible part of school life across Accrington and Hyndburn.Get Involved

Get Involved

We’re now inviting teachers, schools, heritage organisations, and community groups across Accrington & Hyndburn to get involved as the hub develops.

If you’d like to help shape the hub, contribute to future projects, or simply stay updated as plans progress, please complete our short Expression of Interest form.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly at enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk.

Together, we’re helping children and communities across Accrington & Hyndburn connect with the stories that shape where they live.