Historian and TV presenter David Olusoga has announced a new award for England’s best overlooked historic sites that members of the public can vote for.
The Everyday History Heroes award was created by a partnership between UK family history website Findmypast and annual free local history festival Heritage Open Days, whose theme this year is Everyday Histories.
The award celebrates the historic and cultural sites that champion the stories of ordinary people who helped to change the world for the better.
“History isn’t just about the famous names,” David Olusoga said. “It’s about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today. We want to celebrate the amazingly diverse heritage and cultural sites that help us connect with people of the past, and understand how families and communities like our own lived, worked, and made their mark.”
Three sites have been shortlisted for each of the eight regions of England.
The shortlisted sites include former homes of famous people, such as the Pankhurst Museum in Manchester and Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth; historic cemeteries, such as Jesmond Old Cemetery in Newcastle and Bath Jewish Burial Ground; and agricultural sites, such as Cragend Farm in Morpeth and Brixton Windmill in London.
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite site. Voting is open until 31 August, with a national winner and seven regional winners to be announced on 10 September. Winners will receive a £1000 donation to help fund their community initiatives.
You can take part in the voting here.
