Discover Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire Family History Society team up for Heritage Fair

18 April 2024

Discover Northamptonshire are working in partnership with the Northamptonshire Family History Society, with support from Wicksteed Park to hold a Heritage Fair on Sunday 28 April at Wicksteed Park. 

History, heritage, and visitor attractions will be celebrated as part of the Heritage Fair. The event will be officially opened at 11am by Councillor Barbara Jenney, Chairman of North Northamptonshire Council. Mr Oliver Wicksteed and wife will also be in attendance.

This is a great opportunity for the public to come and find out more about our amazing heritage in Northamptonshire – from days out in the countryside, to historic homes, local museums and ancient churches. There will be a wide range of groups and societies who look after and research their own local patch also attending on the day and we are proud to be supporting this event.Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

We are proud to be involved in this event which will highlight the wide and diverse range of Northamptonshire’s history and heritage and hopefully encourage more people to explore what the county has to offerNorthamptonshire Family History Society

On the day nearly 45 groups, societies and visitor attractions will be showcasing a different aspect of Northamptonshire’s history and heritage. From Naseby Battlefield Project to demonstrations by Northants Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, alongside Deene Park, the home of the Brudenell family since 1514, to the 384th Bombardment Group museum – there is something for everyone with an interest in the county.

Northamptonshire Archives and Heritage Service staff will be offering advice on how to do historical research, what documents the archive has and how to look after your own precious heirlooms!

Kettering Civic Society promotes cultural community events in the town and has produced a series of fractural magazines on the town’s heritage. St Mary’s School, Kettering are promoting the 125 year history of the school and want to gather the living history of those who have been part of the school over the years. If you have connections with the school or even better, photographs or memories of your time there, do come along and share them.

Wicksteed Park will be showcasing their year round heritage and community programmes as well as a handling table for children of items from their archives.

Northamptonshire Family History Society will have a range of publications available and volunteers on hand to offer advice for anyone researching their family history. They are an active group who hold monthly meetings in Northampton, Kettering and online. Come and see what they have to offer.

The event will also show the richness of the natural heritage of the county with the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants promoting their great work in caring for nature and offering volunteering opportunities alongside  Northamptonshire Beekeepers Association and Nene Valley Bat Group. Stanwick Lakes will also be there – you can catch up with the amazing projects they are currently working on and find out about why it is a great place to visit.

Other exhibitors include Chester House Estate with its 10,000 years of human activity and the Archaeological Resource (ARC) Centre which is based there. The ARC  holds archaeological objects that cover the whole breadth of human occupation within Northamptonshire and will be bringing along a number of objects for you to find out more. The team at Discover Northamptonshire will also be on hand to help with days out inspiration and itinerary planning including ideas for  local walks, cycle routes, places to eat and much more.

To see a full list of exhibitors – visit the Northamptonshire Family History Society website 

Or contact: [email protected]