Past masters wanted for history show
Released: 3 August 2007
Historians are preparing to reveal secrets from Wolverhampton’s past at the second Local History Symposium.
Amateur historians with a common interest in the city will come together at the unique event and share their research with colleagues and the public.
The event follows the successful pilot event last year and organisers - Wolverhampton City Council’s Archives Service and University of Wolverhampton - are keen to hear from local historians who wish to take part.
City archivist David Bishop said: “We knew a lot of interesting research is being carried out in the city, but that not many people knew about it.
“We wanted a way of sharing this information and making it public, so that anyone else interested in the same area could tap into this wide range of knowledge.”
Last year’s inaugural event, held at Bantock House, was a huge success, with the audience hearing talks on subjects as diverse as the lock-making industry, the history of Wolverhampton’s pubs, the Black Country boxer who fought in front of Mussolini in Italy in the 1930s, and the story of some of the city's war memorials.
David added: “The symposium was very well received. What came across was just how passionate these people are about their research, and how enthusiastic they are about Wolverhampton and its history. We hope to make next year's even more of a success.”
The second symposium takes place at the same venue in February. Organisers are now asking for submissions from people who want to share their research on a Wolverhampton related-topic.
Anyone chosen to speak will have up to 20 minutes to present their research and answer questions from the audience. A £100 bursary, offered to encourage new and significant research into the history of Wolverhampton and to help with research costs, will be awarded to one speaker.
For an application form, call David Bishop on 01902 552485, write to him at Wolverhampton Archives & Local Studies, 42-50 Snow Hill, Wolverhampton WV2 4AG or log on to www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/archives.
Issued by the press office.