Matthew Harper-Duffy
@matthewharperduffy.bsky.social
65 followers 190 following 50 posts
Primary teacher and founder of Local History Hub. Building a grassroots network for sharing local stories, ideas, and place-based learning in schools.
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Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
We’re excited to share that Local History Hub and Historic England’s Heritage Schools Programme are exploring ways to work together to help more schools use local heritage with confidence.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
Very excited to share the forthcoming SHP Understanding event from @1972shp.bsky.social: Unearthed (Nov 10 5-6pm). The first in a series of webinars looking at the transformative and radical power of gardening - from the Diggers to Mary Seacole to settler colonialism we've got it covered!
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We’re excited to announce that Leicester will be one of the first new Local History Hubs launching in September 2026 – with more to follow across the UK. 🎉
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Happy #WorldTeachersDay to all the amazing educators out there, especially our THA members @localhistoryhub.bsky.social, #Kimyo, and #GEMHeritage! 🙌

Take a look at their inspiring work:
localhistoryhub.org.uk
kimyo.co.uk
gem.org.uk/resource/
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
This autumn, Local History Hub is hosting a series of free online information sessions — and we’d love you to join us.
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Big news: Wiltshire will be the first new Local History Hub launching in Sept 2026, with more to follow.
Supported by Wiltshire Council, it will connect schools, heritage groups and communities to explore local stories.
👉 Find out more: www.localhistoryhub.org.uk/local-histor...
It’s a sobering reminder of the deep inequalities that shaped that moment and a call to act, not just to be better prepared for the next pandemic, but to build a more just and equal society in the meantime.
It unfolds like a slow-motion panic attack shattering any lingering sense of lockdown nostalgia and revealing the stark reality of how the pandemic was endured by those with the least.
As we move from summer into autumn, I’ve just finished Ghost Signs: Poverty and the Pandemic by @stuhennigan.bsky.social
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📣 Local History Hub is hosting a series of meetings this autumn to shape our 2025–26 programme — with Local History Day 2026 (22nd April) as a shared focal point.
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📢 This autumn, Local History Hub is running free online info sessions for schools, trusts, local authorities and heritage partners.

Join to see how we support teachers with CPD, streamline outreach, and build partnerships with heritage organisations.

Sign up:
Fill | Local History Hub Info Sessions (Autumn 2025)
These short information sessions are designed for LEAs, MATs and heritage organisations interested in learning more about Local History Hub and how to get involved.
forms.office.com
Such a brilliant way to bring Roman Britain into classrooms 👇
Hadrian’s Wall Virtual Focus Day (25–27 Nov 2025). Free online KS2 workshops on maths, language, archaeology, science & daily life. Love it. @northeastmuseums.bsky.social
🔗 www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmu...
Hadrian’s Wall Virtual Focus Day
KS2 Virtual event
www.northeastmuseums.org.uk
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We’re delighted to welcome Charlotte Barry as our new Regional Heritage Advisor for South Wales 🌿
Education & Interpretation Officer at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and a GEM Cymru Rep, Charlotte brings passion for lifelong learning and heritage engagement.
#LocalHistoryHub
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Teacher-led. Grassroots. Rooted in belonging.

Local History Hub is expanding this autumn.
We’re inviting Local Authorities, Academy Trusts & Heritage Orgs to join a free online info session.

📅 Sign up:https://forms.office.com/e/NjM6T0QBuu
#LocalHistory #Education #Heritage
Next up: Ghost Signs by Stu Hennigan.
The book has nudged me to notice more wonder in my own surroundings.
The chapter on Iona especially stuck with me as that island holds some really special memories.
Her search for “magic” in the natural world feels universal. It reminded me that the real value is often in the journey itself, not just what you find.
Reddy writes with such warmth. Funny, moving, and sad moments often sit side by side.
Continuing my summer reading, just finished Wanderland by @jinireddy.bsky.social . Brilliant book.
Reposted by Matthew Harper-Duffy
After a summer of planning we’re stepping into an exciting year for Local History Hub. More connections, more partnerships, more community.
Next up: Wanderland by @jinireddy.bsky.social — I’ve heard so many good things.

#SummerReading #Place #Belonging #NatureWriting
It made me want to walk the Ouse and Adur more often. Living by the sea, it’s easy to forget the quiet magic of rivers.
Summer’s a great time to read. I’ve been diving into books that explore our connection to place and belonging.

Started with Is A River Alive? by @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social beautiful and timely.