October Round-Up: Building Momentum and Expanding Connections
October has been one of the most productive months yet for Local History Hub, marked by national collaboration, new county and city launches, and the appointment of an exceptional new Non-Executive Director. As our teacher-led movement continues to grow, we’re seeing more schools, heritage partners, and local authorities come together with a shared goal - to make local history meaningful for every child.
We began the month by welcoming Michael Maddison to the Local History Hub Strategic Board as a Non-Executive Director. Michael is one of the most respected voices in history education, with a career spanning more than three decades as Ofsted’s former National Lead for History, Chair of Trustees at the Heritage Education Trust, and Deputy President of the Historical Association. His appointment strengthens our commitment to educational excellence and reinforces our vision for connecting schools with the histories of their places and communities.
Shortly after, we were delighted to share news of a developing partnership between Local History Hub and Historic England’s Heritage Schools Programme. Both initiatives share a passion for supporting teachers to use local heritage confidently and creatively in the classroom. Together, we’ll explore new ways to share resources, professional learning opportunities, and good practice - helping schools across the country access the tools and inspiration they need to bring local history to life.
October also saw the launch of three brand-new Local History Hubs across England, each bringing together schools, councils, and heritage organisations in their own unique way:
The Lincolnshire Hub, developed in partnership with Heritage Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Council, will unite schools and cultural partners across the county to celebrate Lincolnshire’s rich and varied past.
The Leicester Hub, supported by Leicester City Council and Leicester Museums & Galleries, will explore the city’s diverse heritage through stories of migration, activism, industry, and everyday life. We’re delighted to confirm that Rachel Ayrton from Leicester Museums & Galleries will serve as Community Hub Lead, and we’re currently inviting applications for a Schools Hub Lead to join her.
The Nottingham Hub will explore the city’s rich and layered history — from its industrial roots and creative heritage to powerful stories of social change, resilience, and community life.
The Wiltshire Hub, established with the support of Wiltshire Council, will connect schools and communities across the county to its extraordinary heritage.
Each new hub represents a community-driven collaboration, shaped by teachers and heritage professionals working together to strengthen curriculum links, local identity, and pride of place.
Across the network, conversations are also gathering pace. From initial hub meetings to growing partnerships with museums, archives, and councils, October has shown what’s possible when education and heritage come together with shared purpose.
As we move into November, we’ll continue supporting new Hub Leads, expanding our partnerships, and sharing updates on how these local and national collaborations are helping to build a more connected, inclusive story of Britain’s past.
Thank you, as always, to everyone who continues to support and champion this work.
