Local History

Blackburn Local History Society
http://www.blackburnlhs.org.uk

Blackburn Local History Society was formed in May 1989 and aims to promote interest in the history and heritage of the Blackburn area, and to encourage and publish historical research of local interest. The site contains interesting articles as well as details of meetings and membership details.

During the winter, September-April(except December), the Society meets in Blackburn Central Library on the last Tuesday of the month at 7.30.

Outings are arranged to local places of interest during the summer.

British Association of Local History
http://www.balh.co.uk/

The British Association of Local History is the national charity which promotes local history and serves local historians. It publishes both The Local Historian, quarterly journal, and Local History News, a topical magazine as well as books and pamphlets on local history.

Lancashire Record Office

http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?siteid=4528&pageid=30539&e=e

The Lancashire Record Office was established in 1940 and moved to its present purpose built premises on Bow Lane in 1975.  It exists to collect and preserve archival material relating to the history of Lancashire.  Lancashire's boundaries underwent a radical change in 1974 as a result of Local Government Reorganisation, with the loss of Manchester, Liverpool and parts of what is now Cumbria.  Parts of Yorkshire then came into Lancashire.  Where possible, record offices in these authorities collect material for their own areas, but it is not possible to split some records, such as Quarter Sessions, so they are still retained at the Lancashire Record Office.

Blackburn and Blackpool gained Unitary Status in 1998, giving them the power to run their own services.  Both authorities have opted to allow the Lancashire Record Office to continue to maintain archives on their behalf.  Much of the material is obtained by donation and organisations and private individuals are encouraged to deposit suitable material at the Record Office.  Archivists will offer advice on the donation and preservation of material.

Conservation work is a vital part of the Record Office's functions, in order to preserve the County's heritage for future generations.  Today this will often mean microfilming or digitisation so that vulnerable original documents are protected.  Restrictions have to be placed on the use of some material if damage could occur.  Some classes of records have an embargo on their use until they reach a certain age.  Examples being Census returns which have to be 100 years old and School records which have to be 50 years old before they can be consulted.

The Historical Society

www.history.org.uk

The Historical Association
59a Kennington Park Road,
London SE11 4JH

Telephone: 020 7735 3901
Fax:  020 7582 4989

The Historical Association is the voice for history.  They support the study and enjoyment of history at all levels by creating an environment that promotes lifelong learning and provides for the evolving needs of people who share an interest in history.  They also lead activities and campaigns to raise the profile of history at local and national levels. They strive to achieve this by encouraging wide membership, offering information and education and campaigning for history.

Membership is open to everyone.  A range of offers and advantages are negotiated for members, including reduced price journals, discounted entry to a number of historical attractions and discounts on books and holidays.  Their website also offer a members' area of the website and monthly e-mail newsletters.

Weavers'Triangle

www.weaverstriangle.co.uk

The Weavers' Triangle is a voluntary museum devoted to
the history of the cotton industry in Burnley.

Discover what it was like to live in a 19th Century mill town. Walk along the Leeds and Liverpool towpath through the Weavers'Triangle- a well preserved Victorian industrial townscape. Examine buildings from the days when Burnley led the world in weaving cotton cloth. Inspect a canal-side wharf and the nearby Burnley Embankment.

The Weavers' Triangle Visitor Centre is situated in the town centre, 200 yards from the Town Hall and Burnley Mechanics.

Tel.01282 452403

 The Friends of Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery were founded in 1982 to help in promoting and supporting the Museum.

They raise funds to expand the collection with purchases ranging from a 16th Century icon to a set of local tobacco jars.

They help with the restoration of paintings and other exhibits and assist with funds for building work.

There is a lively programme of events including lectures, fund raising events and day and weekend visits to historic sites, exhibitions and other collections.