Lecture Programme

Wakefield Historical Society celebrates its Centenary in 2024

Wakefield Historical Society is looking forward to celebrations for our centenary in the coming year. The Society was formed in December 1924 with J.W. Walker as its first President.  We are planning an enhanced programme of events during the year, which will link to other societies and groups we work with. The events are varied, ranging from a keynote speech on January 24th by Gary Brannan, Keeper of Archives at the Borthwick Institute in York entitled ‘The Future of History is within you: the next histories of Wakefield’ to an event in February on ‘Wakefield Gingerbread’ by Peter Brears (with samples provided by society members).  We will end with a celebration on Saturday 14 December 2024 at the Town Hall.

Lecture Programme for Centenary Year 2024

A number of events are yet to be finalised. Please note changes of venues, and days of the week.

Wednesday 10th April, Town Hall, 7pm. 
‘Words about Wakefield: Voices from the Past‘, readings by members.

Monday 20th May, Wakefield Library, 1.30 – 3pm.
Talk and publication of ‘Memories of Life in Wakefield 1926-1948’

Wednesday 12th June, West Yorkshire History Centre 7pm
Themes we don’t cover in local history 1: Events that leave no trace behind
‘The madding crowd: life on the street in Wakefield 1800-1914″

Late June, details to be added later.
Themes we don’t cover in local history 2: things we are embarrassed about or where technology makes it inaccessible

Wednesday 10th July, West Yorkshire History Centre 7pm
Themes we don’t cover in local history 3: National history or across regions: ‘Connecting with Wakefield: Trade, manufacture and information in the eighteenth- century town.’ Gill Cookson, Leeds University

July and August, Guided walks on Waterfront and/or Westgate

Saturday 14th September, 10am – 4pm, West Yorkshire History Centre
Wakefield’s History in Maps and Conserving the 1851 Town Plan, Lesley Taylor

Wednesday 23rd October , West Yorkshire History Centre 7pm
‘Joseph Aspdin and the Development of Portland Cement in Wakefield‘ Ian Richardson, Leeds University.
(Bicentenary of Aspdin patent 5022 on 21st October)

Tuesday 12th November (venue and time to be announced)
‘Mabel Lucy Matthews of Wakefield and the Centenary of Women’s Electrical Association‘, Graham Gooday, Leeds University

Saturday 14th December, Town Hall, 10am – 4pm
Centenary event and talks: ‘The history of Wakefield Historical Society” by Richard Knowles, and ‘What we have learnt in the last 100 years’ by David Hunter, West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service.

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