- In person events
- Writing Home: Creative Writing Session
- In person and online events
- Reading from the Archives: Writing Home
- Online events
In person events
Writing Home: Creative writing session
In person
Monday 10 June, 10am
Free of charge
Learn about the Strangers, who came to Norwich from the Low Countries in the 16th Century. Their letters home previously held in Ypres Archives were destroyed during the First World War, however, summaries created by a 19th-century historian survive. In this session you will use these summaries to recreate the letters imaging what the writer may written, and work with us to record your work for our Reading from the Archives session on 26 June.
The event will take 2 hours
Refreshments provided.
Part of Norwich Refugee Week 2024
Women in Art
In person
Friday 8 March, 2.30pm and *Monday 20 May, 2pm
£5
Join us for a display of documents focusing on the artwork of local Norfolk women included in their journals and diaries. You will have the chance to see the work of local women such as Richenda Cunningham and Hilda Zigomala and discover how their lives influenced their art.
Towards the end of the session feel free to grab a drink and have a go at using a range of materials and copies of some of the artwork to create a collage as your own artistic response (participation optional!).
This event runs for 90 minutes.
Refreshments included
*event on Monday 20 May is part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week
Booking required, please use the link below
Skills with quills
In person event
Wednesday 22 May, 10am
£10 per person*
Refreshments included
Get creative with a range of inks and our quill pens to have a go at creating your very own Illuminated bookmark in this 3 hour adult craft session.
Find out how illuminated manuscripts were created by looking at a range of materials used, including prickers, ink recipes, and parchment, and take a look at a range of illuminated documents. Have a go at trying some different writing styles including secretary hand, and experiment with different techniques such as cross hatching and ink washes and a range of materials including coloured inks, dip pens and quills. Finally use some of these techniques and materials to create your very own bookmark on parchment, complete with tassel.
Please bring an apron/coverall with you if you require one.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters get 50% discount on our adult craft events. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
*event is part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week
School holiday activity
Hats (and shields) off to the Romans
In person
Wednesday 3 April, 2pm
Pay what you can. When you book this event you will have the option to give a donation. This is optional and entirely at your discretion.
Create your own Roman helmet and shield and have a go at making a Roman tortoise formation. Have a look at the Norfolk Archaeological Trust (NAT) handling collection and learn more about the Caistor Roman Town and Burgh Castle and how these have been represented in our documents over the centuries.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
This event runs for 90 minutes.
Aimed at primary school-age children (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult).
Booking required, please use the link below
Adult Craft
Creating embroidered cards
In person
Wednesday 15 May, 10am
£10 per person*, all materials included
Have a look at a range of embroidered cards from the First World War before having a go at creating your own. We will be giving instruction on some of the basic stiches such as satin stich and chain stich and give you time to master these stiches before creating your very own design and embroidering it into a beautiful card.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters get 50% discount on our adult craft events. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
This event runs for 2 hours.
No experience necessary.
Refreshments included.
Booking required, please use the link below
Behind the scenes tour
In person
Tuesday 23 April, 10am
£7 per person*
Join us for our popular behind the scenes tour. Visit the Conservation Studio to see where our documents are repaired, experience the atmospheric conditions of the Strongroom where we store our collection, and see a display of original documents.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters get two free tickets for our Behind the Scenes Tour as part of their individual membership. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes.
Booking required, please use the link below
The Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Past Present and Future
In person
Free of charge
Tuesday 6 February- Friday 31 May. During The Archive Centre opening hours, 9.30am-5pm.
Exhibition showcasing a century of NAT’s work to secure, maintain and protect the county’s archaeological sites. The exhibition features original documents from NAT’s archives and other collections held at the NRO, archaeological artefacts which were found at NAT sites, from the Norfolk Museum Service collection, as well as copies of photographs from the Norfolk Historic Environment Record. Alongside this will be interpretations that illuminate the stories of the people and places involved.
Visitors will embark on a historical journey, exploring the remarkable achievements of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust over its first 100 years. The exhibition not only highlights past accomplishments but also sheds light on the crucial ongoing role NAT plays in preserving Norfolk’s rich heritage. As NAT looks toward the future, the exhibition also emphasises the ongoing need for support to ensure its continued success.
It’s a real collaborative effort with NAT volunteers providing research for the different themes, and the Norwich Young Archaeologists’ club curating a part of the exhibition. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the past, appreciate the present, and support the future of archaeological preservation.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
No booking required
The Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Past Present and Future
EXHIBITION WALKTHROUGH
In person
Wednesday 13 March, 17 April or 8 May, 2.15pm
Free of charge
Join Robin Sampson, curator of the The Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Past Present and Future exhibition, to focus on some of the stories behind the objects included in the exhibition. Over 45 minutes, discover more about the history of Norfolk Archaeological Trust, find out about its founders and learn about the sites it manages and has managed, through Robin’s knowledge of the material on display. Plus, take a delve into related archive material not included in the exhibition itself. You’ll also find out how you can support NAT and ensure its work can continue well into the future.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
This session lasts 45 minutes.
Booking required, please use the links below
Archive Ambulation: A crawl through Norwich’s brewing past
In person
Tuesday 25 June, 2pm
£5 per person
Once known for having a church for every week of the year and a pub for every day, come and explore how the face of Norwich has changed. Join us for a 90 minute relaxed walk in Norwich, looking at a selection of our archives to see how a number of the public houses and breweries have changed over the last couple of centuries.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters can enjoy our archive ambulation for free. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
The meeting point will be emailed to you before the ambulation. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
The walk lasts for 90 minutes.
Booking required, please use the link below
In-Person and Online Events
Reading from the Archives: Writing Home
In person and online
Wednesday 26 June, 10am
Free of charge
Join to listen to recreations of letters written by some of the ‘Strangers’ who came to Norwich from the Low Countries in the 16th Century, alongside letters from modern refugees showcasing the thoughts and feelings of those leaving their home country over the past 400 years.
The event will run for 30 minutes for people joining us online. For those join in person there will be an extra 30 minutes at the end to allow for people to look at documents and enjoy refreshments.
Refreshments provided.
Part of Norwich Refugee Week 2024
History talks
We have a number of guest speakers talking about their own area of expertise or research.
Talks last between 30-45 minutes with additional time for questions at the end. The majority of talks can be viewed on our YouTube channel after the event.
The Norfolk Historic Environment Record (NHER)
In person and online
By Heather Hamilton
Wednesday 17 April, 1pm
Have you ever wondered whether any historic objects have been found in your parish? Or what might have been excavated before your supermarket was built? Would it surprise you to know that there is a county repository to store this information? This short session will explore the work of the Norfolk Historic Environment Record and how you can access information on Norfolk’s archaeology, historic buildings and historic landscapes.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
Booking required, please use the links below
The St Benet’s Abbey Mill and its local context
In person and online
By Alison Yardy
Wednesday 1 May, 1pm
The St Benet’s Abbey mill, constructed within the ruined medieval gatehouse of the former abbey site, is one of Norfolk’s oldest windmills and has long been a source of fascination for artists and photographers. This illustrated talk will piece together the mill’s unusual history, its place as part of post-monastic life at the St Benet’s abbey site and will consider its significance alongside other local mills.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
Booking required, please use the links below
Safeguarding Norfolk’s Archaeological Heritage
In person and online
By Heather Hamilton
Wednesday 8 May, 1pm
The Norfolk landscape we enjoy today has been shaped by thousands of years of human interaction and contains traces of all periods, from our earliest footsteps to the most recent construction.
This talk will take you on a quick tour of the ways in which Norfolk’s heritage is protected and how they work together to ensure archaeological remains can be studied and enjoyed by future generations.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
Booking required, please use the links below
Caistor Roman Town; Community, Heritage and Recent Discoveries
In person and online
By William Bowden, Professor of Roman Archaeology, Nottingham University
Friday 17 May, 1pm
This talk will consider our current understanding of Caistor Roman town, focusing on what the recent research by the Caistor Roman Project in the surrounding area has added to our knowledge of the town’s origins and history. It will also look at what broader recent research on Roman Britain has contributed to changing views of Caistor.
This event is part of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Its Centenary and Beyond Project (NAT 100 for short) which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is helping Norfolk Archaeological Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Record Office (NRO), to celebrate its first hundred years and improve its resilience for the future. Find out more about the project here.
Booking required, please use the links below
Bring Your Family History Back To Life!
In person and online
By Alan Harper and Richard Ashberry
Wednesday 12 June, 1pm
Family history is addictive. But if your family tree has stalled then this talk should provide the inspiration you need to add new life back into it. Alan Harper and Richard Ashberry from the Norfolk Family History Society look at ways you can reignite your tree, with easy-to-use techniques to place your ancestors in the context of time and place. In this fully illustrated talk, Richard reviews some resources and Alan takes us through the life story of two people from his own family history. Handouts will be available.
Booking required, please use the links below
Online events
Calming colouring
Online
Tuesday 19 March 2pm and *Monday 20 May 10am
Free of charge
Join us online for a calming colouring session. Staff will show you some documents as inspiration, before having a chat and relaxing afternoon colouring in a range of line drawings from the archives.
All drawings will be sent to you before the session ready for you to print and join in.
Feel free to drop in and out at any point during the session.
This session lasts for 1 hour.
*event on Monday 20 May is part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week
Booking required, please use the links below
Research workshops
Our research workshops help you get started or continue with your research. Focusing on resources for England and Wales, advice can occasionally be given on documents created in Scotland, and Northern Ireland too. The workshops always fill up quickly so be sure to book soon.
Each workshop includes:
- Information on a variety of sources for your research
- A chance to ask questions
- A workbook containing workshop notes and a practical activity
- A chance to view some of our Website Tutorials explaining how to use websites to locate and access the documents included
Each session lasts 1 hour
Advanced family history- Part 1
Online
Monday 29 April, 10am
£5 per person*
This session is aimed at anyone who has already started their family history research but is unsure how to take it further. We show you how to use electoral registers, marriage licence bonds and tithe documents.
Look out for Advanced family history- part 2 in the afternoon.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters can enjoy our research workshops for free. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
Booking required, please use the links below
Advanced family history- Part 2
Online
Monday 29 April, 2pm
£5 per person*
This session is aimed at anyone who has already started their family history research but is unsure how to take it further. We show you how to use probate material, school records, business records, and papers relating to the workhouse.
Look out for Advanced family history part 1 in the morning.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters can enjoy our research workshops for free. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
Booking required, please use the links below
Taking family history further- Tracing First World War ancestors
Online
Thursday 9 May, 10am
£5 per person*
If you have found that your ancestors were in the military, this session is for you. We will look at how to access and use the census, absent voter lists, medal cards and attestation papers.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters can enjoy our research workshops for free. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
Booking required, please use the links below
Advanced house history
Online
Thursday 9 May, 2pm
£5 per person*
Find out more about tracing the history of the fabric of your building using manor court books, wills and inventories and building control plans. Plus, we will look at if your property was a former school, mill, pub or church.
*Norfolk Archives and Heritage Development Foundation supporters can enjoy our research workshops for free. For more information and to join visit NorAH.
Booking required, please use the links below
Reading from the archives
A world of sport
Online
Tuesday 11 June, 10am
Free of charge
In the build up to the Olympics, join us to listen to a variety of extracts about sporting exploits in Norfolk. Including recollections of cricket matches, printed rules and interviews about sporting achievements.
This session will last around 30 minutes.
This event can be viewed on our YouTube channel afterwards.
Booking required, please use the links below
Norfolk Record Office 