Events
There's always lots happening at the History Centre including:
Talks and lectures
Exhibitions
Archaeology and Conservation Fair
- Thursday 16th May 2013 - Family History Beyond the Internet with Claire Skinner and Mike Marshman A course for those who want to learn more about the sources and explore the world of archives. From 9.15 am to 1.00 pm Limited to 20 people. Cost of course: £10.00 per person
- Thursday 23rd May 2013 - Looking for your Ancestors in 19th & 20th Century Institutes with Margaret Moles Many of us have discovered that some of our ancestors were forced into the workhouse or even asylums. Learn how to search the archives and discover how much information there really is. Limited to 30 people
- Thursday 6th June 2013 - Wiltshire White Horses & Other Hill Figures with Michael Marshman An exploration into Wiltshire's diverse range of hill figures which are found throughout our historic county. Learn all about how they came to be built and gain an insight into the people who made them. Limited to 30 people
- Thursday 13th June 2013 - Do's & Don'ts of Family History on the Internet with Claire Skinner A modern guide to using online records from different sources. This is especially useful if your ancestors were not from Wiltshire but would benefit anyone researching their family history. Limited to 30 people
- Monday 17th June 2013 – Atworth Village Interpretation Day All Day Course Limited to 20 people. Cost of Course £15.00
- Thursday 18th July 2013 - Old Photograph Workshop Bring in your old photographs - the older the better (maximum of six please) and let our experts date them. We will also try and identify Wiltshire scenes. Open from 2.15 to 5pm. Free Admission.
- Thursday 1st August 2013 - Resources for Research World War I with Terry Bracher A guide to researching your military ancestors who fought during the Great War and other topics from this period. This talk will guide you through archive material and online resources. Limited to 30 people
- Thursday 5th September 2013 - Stonehenge & Avebury World Heritage Sites with Rachel Foster An insight into two of the richest archaeological sites in the country. This talk will help you explore these ancient landscapes and celebrate their contribution to our understanding of our prehistoric ancestors. Limited 30 people
- Thursday 19th September 2013 - History of Malmesbury with Steve Hobbs Explore this ancient town through documents held here at the History Centre with Archivist Steve Hobbs. Limited to 30 people
- Thursday 3rd October 2013 - Melksham: from Dairy Farm to Industrial Town with Michael Marshman Discover more about the history of Melksham from the Saxon period to modern times using resources at the History Centre. The talk will discuss the evolution of this typical west Wiltshire market town. Limited to 30 people
- Thursday 17th October 2013 - Three King Edwards: an Outline of English History 1272-1377 with Robert Jago Go back in time to the medieval period and learn about life and the monarchy during harsher times of our country's fascinating history. Limited to 30 people
All talks begin at 2.15 pm.
Admission £3.50 (concessions £2.50). Spaces are limited so please buy your ticket in advance. Telephone 01249 705500 or visit our Help Desk at the History Centre. (Payment by credit/debit card or cheque available for the purchase of 2 or more tickets).
Exhibitions
Tuesday 12th March to Saturday 11th May 2013
Exhibition: Contemporary Response to Historic Landscape, by Jill Hillman (visual artist)
Artist Jill Hillman explores her personal response for recording the Wiltshire Landscape as a therapeutic medium. The exhibition will include a series of paintings and assemblages. Come and meet Jill at 2.15pm on 25 April 2013, when she discusses her motivation, development and methods of work – entry by ticket and booking advisable 01249 705500.
Archaeology and Conservation Fair
Sunday 14th July 11am-4pm at Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.
Want to get involved in archaeology in Wiltshire but don't know where to start?
Join us at the Archaeology and Conservation Fair where you can meet 20 local organisations involved in archaeology and find out about fieldwork opportunities, careers, courses, clubs for children, local societies and museums. There will be something for everyone including: fun activities for children; a chance to handle objects from local museums; a fascinating programme of 10 minute talks; advice on careers and work experience; volunteering opportunities; tours of the conservation labs and demonstrations of the new Historic Environment Register.
This is a FREE event with FREE parking, only 5 minutes walk from Chippenham Railway station.
Organisations that will be attending the event include:
- English Heritage
- National Trust
- Wessex Archaeology
- Young Archaeologist Clubs
- Wiltshire Museum
- Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site
- Portable Antiquity Scheme
- Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum
- Oxford University
- Finding the Forgotten
- Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society
- CBA Wessex
- Victoria County History
- WANHS field group
- Chippenham Museum
- Bournemouth University
- Wiltshire Buildings Record
- Lacock Unlocked
- Wyvern Heritage
- Cotswold Archaeology
- Archaeological Surveys
- Wiltshire Archaeology team
- Wiltshire Conservation team
This event is part of the 2013 Festival of British Archaeology. 
For more information on other events in this year's festival please visit
www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk