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Heritage Socials

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Discover the stories, people and places that have shaped our community a Heritage Socials event – a free monthly programme hosted at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre.

These relaxed and welcoming events offer a chance to connect with local history in an informal setting, whether through a short talk, guided tour or film.

Each session is designed to spark memories, encourage conversation and bring people together. Come along to reminisce, meet others, and learn something new about the area’s rich heritage. You’re welcome to join us every month or simply drop in for the topics that interest you most.

With refreshments provided and a friendly atmosphere guaranteed, Heritage Socials are the perfect way to spend time exploring the past while enjoying good company.

What’s coming up…

We have Heritage Socials, Saturday Social Film Screenings and Family Socials throughout the year. Check out the programme below to see what’s coming up and to book your free place.

All sessions are free and are hosted at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre.

Heritage Socials

Discover Our Local Studies Resources

Wednesday 27 May, 1.30pm-3pm

Celebrate Local History Week with a short talk exploring North Lanarkshire’s heritage collections and discover how our local studies resources can help you explore your past.

Paddle Steamer Waverley: Britain’s Maritime Legend

Wednesday 24 June, 1.30-3pm

A talk by guest speaker Iain Quinn about the famous paddle steamer as she celebrates 80 years since her launch. Iain’s book “50 Years in Preservation” will be available to purchase on the day priced £20.00. All proceeds going to the support the Waverley. Please note this will be cash only.

The Steel Town Cricketers

Wednesday 26 August, 1.30-3pm

Imagine Motherwell in 1871 as smoke belched from chimneys and noxious fumes polluted the air and think…cricket! Bands played and ladies in fine dresses perambulated around the boundary on the day of the grand promenade, as six local teams fought for supremacy. Presented by guest speakers Steve Young & Graham Robertson. Their publication “150 -Odd Years of Motherwell Cricket Club” will be available to purchase on the day priced £8.00.

The ‘Steam Collier’: Early Mining by Machine

Wednesday 30 September, 1.30-3pm

In the mid-1800s inventors started to experiment with ways to replace coal miners with machines. This talk will tell the story of an early failure, the Coatbridge-built Gartsherrie Coal Cutter and will touch on one of the biggest successes, the Motherwell mining engineering firm Anderson Boyes and Co. Related collection items from our local studies will also be on display.

Saturday Social Film Screenings

Bothwellhaugh Village Life

Saturday 2 May, 1.30pm

A chance to view Drowned Village an account of the last few years in the Lanarkshire mining village of Bothwellhaugh (54 mins).

The documentary includes footage filmed by villager Joe Griffiths and oral history of former residents and is screened with the kind permission of Joe’s son Alistair Griffiths. Photos and maps of the village will also be available to browse.

Dalzell House

Saturday 6 June, 1.30pm

The story of Motherwell’s stately home” by Motherwell Heritage Society (43 mins) This documentary film tells the story of Dalzell house highlighting its rich heritage and significance as a local landmark. There will also be an opportunity to browse photos from the Local Studies Hamilton of Dalzell collection.

Big Mill Directed by Laurence Henson

Saturday 5 September, 1.30pm

Screening of Big Mill, a 1962 documentary film on the new hot strip mill at Ravenscraig Steel Works. (25 mins)

Photos of Ravenscraig Steelworks from our Local Studies collection will also be available to view.

Fantasmagoria- Enrico Cocozza

Saturday 3 October, 1.30pm

Fantasmagoria is a fictional story of a Dracula-type character who terrorises the Coltness Estate in Wishaw. Filmed by Enrico Cocozza the story was a Prize-Winning Film at the 1949 Scottish Amateur Film Festival. (32 mins)

Family Socials

Family Climate Change Challenge

Saturday 26 September, 1.30-3.30pm

As part of the Lanarkshire Climate Action Festival, we are running a Green Energy Challenge; Find out why we created so much pollution during the Victorian era and try some simple experiments to generate solar and wind power.

Explore your Archive Day

Saturday 21 November, 1.30-3.30pm

Take part in a family friendly tour of the North Lanarkshire Archive to learn more about what records are held our care and how we look after them. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, this event offers a unique peek behind the scenes.

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