A New Local History Hub for Newark
We’re delighted to announce the launch of Local History Hub Newark, the latest addition to our growing UK-wide network.
Local History Hub is a teacher-led, grassroots movement bringing together schools, heritage organisations, and community partners to make local history meaningful and accessible for children and young people. Each hub is built collaboratively, with the shared aim of enriching curriculum learning, strengthening local identity, and fostering a sense of place and belonging.
Exploring Newark’s Local History
Local History Hub Newark will support schools and communities across Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding area to explore the people, places, and stories that have shaped their communities.
With a remarkable history stretching from its medieval heritage and Newark Castle to the town’s important role during the English Civil War, as well as the stories of everyday people, industry, transport, and changing communities, Newark provides a rich landscape for local history learning.
The hub will help schools make connections between these local stories and curriculum learning, enabling children to understand how wider historical events can be explored through the places on their doorstep.
Working Together Across Newark
At the heart of the hub will be collaboration.
The Newark Local History Hub will operate as a local working party, bringing together teachers, heritage professionals, and community organisations to share expertise, develop practical approaches, and strengthen connections between schools and local heritage.
Through curriculum support, partnership working, and local storytelling, we hope to make it easier for schools to provide high-quality local history that is engaging, accessible, and rooted in place.
The first year will include a shared focus on Local History Day 2027, taking place on Wednesday 21st April, providing an opportunity for schools across the area to celebrate and explore the history of their communities.
Meet the Community Lead
Local History Hub Newark is led by Denise Greany, Learning and Participation Manager for Heritage and Culture at Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Denise works across the Palace Theatre, National Civil War Centre, Newark Museum and Newark Castle. She began her career in education as a secondary school and advisory teacher in Oxfordshire, before working as a Literacy Consultant in Hackney and later moving into the heritage sector.
Through the Newark Local History Hub, Denise hopes to help schools, heritage organisations and communities discover, share and celebrate the rich history of Newark and Sherwood.
We are also currently looking for a Schools Lead to work alongside Denise, helping to represent local teachers and shape the hub as it develops.
Get Involved
Local History Hub Newark works with schools, heritage organisations, and community partners to strengthen local history teaching across Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding area.
We’re keen to hear from teachers, schools, museums, archives, and community organisations who would like to get involved, whether by collaborating on projects, sharing local expertise, or supporting curriculum-linked local history opportunities.
We are also currently looking for a volunteer Schools Lead to help coordinate school involvement and shape the development of the hub. This is a light-touch role, ideal for a teacher with an enthusiasm for history and place-based learning.
The easiest way to get involved is to complete our Expression of Interest Form. It only takes a few minutes and helps us understand how you’d like to be part of the hub’s work.
Or contact us directly at enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk.
