Handsworth Historical Society was formed in 1952 and since 1978 has occupied half of the building known as ‘Handsworth Old Town Hall’. This is a Grade 2 listed cruck cottage built about 1460 and we run our half of it as a community museum about Handsworth.
It contains many exhibits/displays and a host of accessible local records.
As well as opening to the public on dates shown below, We also try to help with family history and other enquiries about the area’s past, and welcome visitors/groups at other times by appointment. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit for your group/school.
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMME 2020
Wed 15 January at 2pm
Dudley’s own Dambuster – illustrated talk by Rob Broadbent about one young man’s experiences on the famous raid
Saturday 1 February
Coffee Morning
Wed 19 February at 2pm
Light Fantastic – illustrated talk by Keith Cattell RIBA about one thousand years of stained glass
Saturday 29 February
Coffee Morning
Wed 18 March at 2pm
Things special to me – nostalgic talk by member David Lewis
Saturday 4 April
Coffee Morning
Monday 20 April
The Back to Back Houses Project in Birmingham – illustrated talk by Derek Clarke RIBA, who was the Conservation Architect on their restoration
Tuesday 12 May
The Old Hall Story – talk by Nigel Wiggin, whose family owned the former Old Hall stainless steel tableware company. He’ll bring items for sale and would be happy to see any you own.
Saturday 16 May
Coffee Morning
Saturday 13 June
Outing to British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry, and Plas Newydd, Llangollen – contact Secretary for further information if interested
Saturday 27 June
Coffee Morning
Saturday 27 June, 12-4pm
Handsworth Wood in Bloom – venue to be confirmed
Saturday 18 July
Coffee Morning
Saturday 8 August
Coffee Morning
Tuesday 15 September
Annual General Meeting + speaker
Saturday 19 September
Heritage Open Day. 10.00am to 5.00pm. Free admission/refreshments available.
Speaker Meetings: New Church Centre, Winleigh Road (off Church Lane), Handsworth Wood, B20 2HN, at 7.30pm or 2pm from January to March inclusive (adjacent car park). Members £2.00, visitors £3.00, including refreshments.
Coffee Mornings: Old Town Hall, corner of Slack Lane/College Road, Handsworth, B20 2JL, 10.00am to 1.00pm. Admission free.
NB: Apart from Coffee Mornings and other events, the Old Town Hall will only be open by appointment in future.
