Learn about Hertfordshire's history through workshops, talks and tours.
Groups are welcome to visit us to see original documents or go behind the scenes at the archives.
Come and learn new practical skills from our expert staff. The following workshops are currently available:
Join our senior local studies librarian as they reveal the best ways to take your research forward, whatever stage you’re at.
Your school or university group can visit us, or we can hold a workshop at your venue.
Come and talk to us about your area of study and together we can create a session for you.
A bespoke session aimed at KS2 pupils. Using maps, census records, and other documents from the archive and local studies library, students will learn how their local area, and Hertfordshire as a whole, has changed through time.
We'll look at population, housing, schools, transport links and other social changes, and talk about how and why they happened. Pupils will compare census records to learn more about people who lived near their school between 1841 and 1921, and have a go at decoding old handwriting!
Keystage 2 and 3 students can discover the little known world of Hertfordshire’s Home Front during World War One at Herts Past Policing.
A session for Year 1 pupils which can be delivered at HALS and include viewing of original archives, or take place at your school for the same charge.
We can come to you to give a range of lively talks about different aspects of Hertfordshire in the past. Alternatively, we can deliver our talks online. We recommend that you give at least one month's notice for your booking.
Talks at your venue are subject to a risk assessment.
Hertfordshire’s Masonic Connection
This talk delves into the rich history of Freemasonry in Hertfordshire dating back to the mid-18th century. Explore some of their traditions, practices and secrets and discover original records once present at Lodge meetings. Learn about the different titles a Freemason might hold and uncover how these documents can help you to trace your masonic ancestors.
Protest and Change: Hertfordshire LGBTQIA+ People Taking a Stand
In the half century since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England, views and laws have transformed dramatically This talk highlights the protests, charities and individuals who fought for equality in Hertfordshire and helped shape national change.
Hertfordshire’s Notorious Witches
Witchcraft has a long history in Hertfordshire, with dozens of convicted witches. In this talk we explore the lives and cases of some of the county's most notorious witches, from Jane Wenham, one of the last people to be condemned to death for witchcraft in the country, to Joan of Navarre, Queen of England.
Welwyn Garden City: its ethos and development
2020 saw the 100th anniversary of the second garden city. Discover the ideas behind the town and find out how it developed over time.
Tudor Hertfordshire
A look at aspects of the Tudor era through contemporary Hertfordshire documents.
Treasures of the Archives
An introduction to the work of Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies and a look at some of the most beautiful and interesting documents in the collection. This talk can be tailored to your local area.
Hertfordshire and the Slave Trade
A look back at Hertfordshire’s involvement in the slave trade, whether active in the trade or dedicated to its abolition.
Remarkable Women in Hertfordshire’s History
Starting in 11th century, this talk explores the contributions of some of Hertfordshire’s trailblazing women, from Juliana Berners (bestselling Tudor author) to suffragette, Lady Constance Lytton. Learn how they challenged expectations and shaped history.
Hertfordshire’s Literary Connections
Hertfordshire has both bred and attracted a large number of literary figures. We explore the county connections of Beatrix Potter, Graham Greene, Rebecca West and many others.
The New Town Movement in Hertfordshire
This talk explores the first post-war new town in Hertfordshire and the utopian ideals behind its creation and the realities of life for its residents. Featuring some rare early film footage and insights from the Commission for New Town records.
Aspects of Hertfordshire in World War One
This talk gives an overview of life on the Home Front during World War One. Find out what happened after the troops left.
Julian Grenfell – Hertfordshire's War Poet
Discover the life of this extraordinary young man whose life, which held so much promise, was tragically cut short in the Great War.
Ettie Grenfell
Step into the world of Ettie Grenfell, Lady Desborough – the last resident of Panshanger and dazzling Queen of ‘the Souls’. Known for hosting gatherings of politicians, writers and artists to talk, play and flirt and challenge conventions of the time. Ettie was far more than a socialite and behind the glamour lay an extraordinary force of character which enabled her to overcome both terrible loss in her childhood and the heartbreak of losing two sons in World War I.
Apsley Cherry-Garrard: Hertfordshire's Antarctic explorer
Journey into the frozen extremes with Apsley Cherry-Garrard of Lamer, Wheathampstead, who braved unimaginable hardships alongside Captain Scott on the ill-fated expedition to the South Pole (1910–1913).
Land Girls, Brocket Babies and Beyond
Discover the many ways in which Hertfordshire people gave their support to life on the Home Front during World War II. From Air raid Wardens, code-breakers, home guard and food production, learn how people worked hard and found joy, even in the darkest of times.
Fever!
This illustrated talk explores the many diseases that have gripped the county from the 1300s to the end of the 19th century. We will be tracing the first steps in preventing and managing disease and taking the long view on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Royalty in Royston and beyond: James I in Hertfordshire
This talk explores the King James I’s connections with Hertfordshire, from his first visit en route to his coronation to his death at Theobalds.
Family tree detectives
Unlock the secrets of your ancestry! These talks use fascinating examples from Hertfordshire to demonstrate research techniques that can be applied anywhere in the country. Please get in touch to discuss our full range of family history subjects.
Getting started with family history
This talk is the perfect introduction to tracing your family tree. Learn how to use birth, marriage and death records, uncover your ancestors in the census, and avoid common pitfalls that can trip up beginners.
Next steps in family history
Ready to take your research further? This talk shows you how to explore sources such as employment records, historic newspapers, workhouse registers and records from overseas. Perfect for those who’ve started their journey and want to discover even more to add depth and context to your family tree.
Care of the Poor: Old and New Poor Law
Discover how parishes supported their poorest residents under the Old Poor Law and how this changed with the introduction of the New Poor Law in the 19th century. This talk explores the systems of relief, from parish assistance and workhouses to the records that reveal the lives of those who relied on them. Learn how to trace individuals in these documents and uncover their individual stories
From cradle to classroom: discovering the lives of our young ancestors
Looking beyond baptism and birth records to discover more about your ancestor’s early life. Through sources such as vaccination records, school admission records and punishment books. Discover how work shaped the lives of children and how the state recorded abandoned and illegitimate children.
Your Caribbean Family Tree – Getting Started
Begin your journey into Caribbean family history with this practical and inspiring talk. This presentation will introduce you to some of the basics skills used by all family historians, and then a guide to the online resources available for the Caribbean. Perfect for anyone curious about their Caribbean roots.
Let us know if you're interested in a different topic. We could create a new talk for you from £110.