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, including the first Tuesday evening of every month (except January), 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.
AUTUMN PROGRAMME 2018
Saturday 15 September
Heritage Open Day at the Old Town Hall, 10am to 5pm. Free admission/ refreshments available
Tuesday 25 September
Annual General Meeting followed by Ghost Signs of Handsworth and Surrounding Areas – illustrated talk by Tracey Thorne about the old shop signs still to be seen on the side of buildings
Saturday 6 October
Coffee Morning
Tuesday 16 October
A Brief History of Birmingham Hippodrome – illustrated talk by David and Pam Humphries
Saturday 10 November
Coffee Morning (and winter hanging basket demonstration – to be confirmed)
Saturday 24 November at 7pm
Winter Warmer Supper – tickets cost £10 and must be pre-booked
Monday 26 November at 2pm
Elizabeth Blackwell & Elizabeth Garrett Anderson – the first two female Doctors – illustrated talk by Amanda Hume
Saturday 8 December
Festive Coffee Morning (please note there will be no Bring & Buy table)
Tuesday 15 January 2019 at 2pm
HHS – In the Beginning – talk by our Secretary, Paulette Burkill, about the history of the Society and our use of the Old Town Hall
