The theme for this year’s Local History Week is History, Heritage and Archaeology with a host of events taking place in East Dunbartonshire.
The annual event, organised by East Dunbartonshire Libraries, is running from Saturday 4 March until Saturday 11 March.
Local History Week is a national event that aims to increase awareness of local history and encourage all members of the local community to take part. The event is a great way for groups to highlight their local history and for local people to get involved.
A whole range of events celebrating East Dunbartonshire's rich history have been organised at venues across the area.
William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch will be displaying a selection of artefacts from the Auld Kirk Museum’s Archaeological Collection.
For the more energetic, the Forth and Clyde Canal Society have organised a short walk in Kirkintilloch that will explore the Canal’s rich heritage while a local history walk led by a Friends of the Kelvin Valley historian will look at the presence of the Romans in Twechar, the history of mining and the Twechar miners, and the formation of the landscape of the village.
Jim Walker from Kirkintilloch & District of Antiquaries will host an illustrated talk looking at Bar Hill Roman Fort and some of its neighbouring forts on the Antonine Wall at the Barony Chambers in Kirkintilloch and there’s a second chance to view the 2016 East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop. On 7 March, Jimmy Watson, exhibition organiser, will lead a 30-minute tour followed by an open discussion with some of the young artists to explain the key themes and inspiration behind their original works of art. Booking is essential for this event by emailing jimmy@thomasmuir.co.uk.
Torrance Local History Group have organised a trip down memory lane with an event which will celebrate the history of the Caldwell Halls. Join them for afternoon tea and view the display of photographs showing the history of the halls and the many events held there.
The Story of the Bearsden Shark exhibition at Bearsden Library will tell the story of this interesting and local fossil – its history, discovery, site location, and further details about the shark while the Milngavie Heritage Centre will host an exhibition of photographs, plans and drawings of mills of various types in the Milngavie area, with historical information relating to each.
Professor Paul Bishop will also look at the varied history of local watermills in the Milngavie and Baldernock area at a talk in the Fraser Centre.
Councillor Anne Jarvis, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, said, “By exploring the history of East Dunbartonshire, we can learn about our heritage in a fun and inspiring way.
"The full Local History Week 2017 programme is now available, detailing a wide range of activities and events across East Dunbartonshire throughout the week – exhibitions and displays, talks, walks and more. Look out for details in libraries and other cultural venues, and on the EDLC website, www.edlc.co.uk.
"There is something on for everyone so check out the programme online or get down to your local library to pick up a copy."
For further information contact East Dunbartonshire Information & Archives on 0300 123 4510 or email: libraries@eastdunbarton.gov.uk