The website of the
Black Country Society
Established in 1967 to Support, Record, Preserve and Celebrate the distinct
Character and Nature of the West Midlands area known since the mid nineteenth century as 'The Black Country'
Black Country History Day - A Day of Black Country History and Heritage
July 16th 2022 Black Country Living Museum (Tipton Rd, Dudley DY1 4SQ 0121 557 9643)
Programme
10.00 Tea and Coffee on Arrival
10.30 Introduction by Dr Malcolm Dick OBE and Andrew Lovett
10.40 Dr Simon Briercliffe, ‘Forging Ahead: Austerity to Prosperity in the Black Country 1945-1968’
11.25 Break with refreshments
11.45 Pat Talbot, ‘White Shirt, Black Country, colourful background: A cultural history of Black Country football through its England international players’
12.30 Keith Robinson, 'Voices from the Wednesbury Workhouse and the Parish Poor, 1750-1900’
1.15 Lunch
2.15 Dr Anna Muggeridge, ‘Madam Mayor: pioneering women politicians in the Black Country’
3.00 Break with refreshments
3.20 Carol King and Nadia Awal, (Black Country Living Museum) Interpreting the Black Country: Living History Perspectives on Black Country History’
4.15 Summary and Final Questions
4.30 Finish
The event will also be attended by regional and local heritage groups/ organisations who will share details of their work and projects and there will be opportunity to purchase books on the history of the area.
Tickets: £20* book direct with BCLM online or by telephone 0121 557 9643
While every effort is made to avoid any changes, we reserve the right to withdraw or amend any part of this programme without prior notice.
*This will include parking if required, however please be aware the museum is open and operating as normal and a space cannot be guaranteed. This is a separate event and does not include museum admittance.
This event has been organised through partnership between the Black Country Society, the Centre for West Midlands History (University of Birmingham) and History West Midlands. It is open to anyone who is interested in the history of the area. The BCS promotes interest in the past, present and future of the Black Country . The CWMH encourages study of and research into the history of the region and runs a popular MA in West Midlands History. HWM explores the rich and fascinating history of the region and produces films, podcasts and articles, all freely available on the website. Any queries please contact Justine.Pick@historywm.co.uk
Speakers
Dr Malcolm Dick OBE lives in the Black Country and is Director of the Centre for West Midlands History at the University of Birmingham and Chair of the Black Country Society. He is co-editor, with David Eveleigh and Janet Sullivan of The Black Country: A History in a 100 Objects.
Dr Simon Briercliffe is an historian, researcher, writer and museum and heritage professional (Black Country Living Museum). Simon specialises in the history of the Black Country and his book, Forging Ahead: Austerity to Prosperity in the Black Country, 1945-1968 is published by History West Midlands. Alongside his research, Simon is an avid public speaker and reader, and runs a local history blog https://uptheossroad.wordpress.com/blog/
Pat Talbot alongside a successful career in teaching and careers, has written many articles for The Blackcountryman and is a long-time member of the Black Country Society. The Society first published Pat’s history of Black Country-born England football internationals White Shirt, Black Country in 2004 with the second edition published in 2020.
Keith Robinson in his third book, Voices from the Wednesbury Workhouse and the Parish Poor 1750–1900, examines the lives and circumstances of those who found themselves in Wednesbury and West Bromwich workhouses. Keith also explores the fortunes of those who claimed outdoor relief and who sought settlement in the parish, together with the fate of pauper children.
Dr Anna Muggeridge a heritage sector professional and Associate Lecturer and Research Fellow at University of Worcester. Anna is also Chair of the Midlands branch of the Women’s History Network. Anna explores the experiences of the pioneering women in politics and public life in the Black Country from 1914 to 1950.
From the Black Country Living Museum team, Carol King, Director of Programmes and Nadia Awal, Researcher. There will also be a welcome introduction to the day by Andrew Lovett OBE, CEO of the museum.
