Learn more about the history of the city.
Birmingham History Day takes place on Saturday 23rd November in the Large Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT. The day will provide an opportunity to hear about new publications, projects and heritage in the city. A detailed programme will be provided on the day but speakers include Rachel MacGregor talking about the Library of Birmingham and Birmingham Press contributor Steve Beauchampe,.
Several presentations will focus on new books, which will also be on sale. These include new studies of George Dixon, a pioneer of the civic gospel, the Birmingham pen trade, the archaeology of Sutton Park and Moseley Road Baths. There will also be a talk devoted to a project which works with children on local history and an imaginative children’s history of Birmingham will be available for purchase.
Norman Bartlam and the children who make up the ‘News Team of Ladywood’ will present a DVD of their latest investigations into Birmingham history. This is a stimulating example of how children engage with their local area.
Birmingham Museums and the New Library of Birmingham are the public face of local history and heritage. There will be updates on project developments from staff at both organisations. Other local activities include the Lozells and East Handsworth Heritage Trail, Digbeth Speaks, St George’s, Edgbaston and the disability history project. There will also be a presentation about the John Baskerville Project, devoted to the local manufacturer, typographer, printer and Enlightenment figure. Attendees will receive a free Baskerville DVD. A forthcoming project devoted to commemorating James Watt on the 200th anniversary of his death in 2019 will also be publicised.
Many local people are aware of the new History West Midlands magazine: www.historywm.com Information will be provided on future issues, including a supplement devoted to Joseph Chamberlain, on the 100th anniversary of his death in 2014.
Tickets cost £19 and include mid-morning and mid afternoon refreshments and a buffet lunch. They can be obtained from http://shop.bham.ac.uk/ For further details, telephone 0121 415 8253, or e mail [email protected]
