May Round-Up: New Hubs, New Partnerships, and Looking Ahead
May has been one of the busiest months yet for Local History Hub, with four new hubs launched across England, growing national engagement, and exciting developments in our work to support teachers, heritage organisations, and communities.
As the conversation around curriculum, identity, belonging, and place continues to grow nationally, we have been encouraged by the increasing number of schools and heritage partners looking to work together through local history.
A New Local History Hub for Essex
At the beginning of the month, we launched Local History Hub Essex, our first hub in the East of England.
Supported by Julie Pugh, Learning and Participation Officer at English Heritage, the hub will help schools explore Essex's rich and varied history, from coastal communities and maritime heritage to stories of migration, market towns, and rural life.
The launch represents an important milestone for Local History Hub as we continue expanding our network into new regions and strengthening opportunities for place-based learning.
A New Local History Hub for Rotherham
We were also delighted to launch Local History Hub Rotherham.
Led by Ian Blakesley, Learning Officer at Rotherham Museum, the hub will support schools and communities to explore the borough's industrial heritage, working communities, local collections, and everyday stories.
Ian's background in both education and museum learning reflects the collaborative approach that sits at the heart of every Local History Hub
A New Local History Hub for Surrey
May also saw the launch of Local History Hub Surrey.
The hub is focused on building connections between schools, museums, archives, and heritage organisations across the county, helping teachers access local expertise and curriculum-linked opportunities.
We are particularly pleased to be working alongside existing initiatives across the county, including Learning On My Doorstep and the Heritage Schools programme, helping strengthen a growing network of organisations committed to supporting local history education.
A New Local History Hub for West Northumberland
The month concluded with the launch of Local History Hub West Northumberland.
Led by Sophie Bell of English Heritage and Lee Ferris, Headteacher of Kielder Primary School, the hub brings together heritage expertise and classroom leadership to support meaningful place-based learning across one of England's most distinctive landscapes.
The hub will explore themes including border history, rural communities, mining, agriculture, transport, and the stories that have shaped life in Northumberland over time.
Sharing Local History at National Conferences
May also provided opportunities to share Local History Hub's work with wider education and heritage audiences.
Founder Matthew Harper-Duffy attended the Historical Association Annual Conference, where he spoke about the role local history can play in strengthening curriculum learning, identity, belonging, and connections between schools and heritage organisations.
It was a valuable opportunity to meet colleagues from across the sector, many of whom have supported Local History Hub from its earliest stages, and to continue conversations about how local history can become a more meaningful and visible part of children's educational experiences.
A New CPD Opportunity for Teachers and Heritage Professionals
Towards the end of the month, Local History Hub and North East Museums announced plans for a new online CPD series for teachers and heritage professionals during the 2026–27 academic year.
The programme will feature short practical presentations exploring themes including:
• Broadening the story of the North East beyond Roman history
• Using primary sources with confidence
• Enquiry-led local history
• Identity, belonging, and local pride
• Inclusive practice and SEND
The series reflects our shared belief that bringing teachers and heritage professionals together creates stronger learning opportunities for children and young people.
Looking Ahead
As we move towards the final half term of the academic year, our focus remains on supporting Hub Leads, strengthening partnerships, and helping schools embed local history within a curriculum that develops knowledge, identity, belonging, and a deeper understanding of place.
With hubs now developing across an increasing number of regions, we continue to be encouraged by the willingness of schools, museums, archives, heritage sites, and community organisations to work together in practical and meaningful ways.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the work this month and continues to support this growing teacher-led movement.
