Discover Local and Community History Month in Kingston

Are you ready to dive into the rich heritage of Kingston upon Thames this May and June? This year’s Local and Community History Month features an incredible lineup of exhibitions developed with local communities and expert-led talks that bring our local stories to life. Whether you are interested in Edwardian secrets, aviation history, or the development of our neighborhoods, there is something for everyone.

All events listed below are free of charge and open to all ages. Please note that while exhibitions are drop-in, bookings are required for all guest speaker talks.

 

Kingston Museum

Kingston Museum is open every Thursday - Saturday, 10-5pm,and tells the history of the area through three permanent galleries: Ancient Origins, Town of Kings and Eadweard Muybridge. 

 

Kingston History Centre

Come and research local and family history at the History Centre. Here you can discover:

• The Borough’s Archives

• Local books

• Directories

• Newspapers

• Maps and photographs

• Oral History Transcripts and tapes

• Database of Victorian sources

Local History Talks with Julian McCarthy

Join local history author and qualified tour guide Julian McCarthy for a series of deep dives into Kingston’s past. Book here. 

 

• The Growth and Development of New Malden

  • Tue 12 May | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm | New Malden Library

• The History of Manners and Etiquette

  • Tue 12 May | 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Old Malden Library

• The A-Z of Surbiton

  • Tue 19 May | 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Surbiton Library

• Cupid's Code: Secret Codes of Edwardian Postcards

  • Tue 2 Jun | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm | Tolworth Community Library

• Flying around Kingston before Sopwith

  • Tue 2 Jun | 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Hook and Chessington Library

• Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! (but why?)

  • Thu 4 Jun | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm | Tudor Drive Library

• The Bloomer Case of Kingston

  • Thu 11 Jun | 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm | History Centre

How to Attend

Space is limited for talks! To secure your spot:

• Online: Visit kingston.events.mylibrary.digital

• In branch: speak to a member of staff. 

 

 

Immersive Exhibitions across our Libraries

Explore these displays at your own pace during library opening hours (10:00 am – 5:00 pm):

The Hook Exhibition: Hook, Lines, and Thinkers

• • Dates: Tue 21 Apr – Sat 6 Jun

  • Location: Hook and Chessington Library

Details: A collaboration with Kingston University featuring student research.

The Kingston Society: Public Art & Local Stories

• Dates: Mon 11 May – Sat 6 Jun

• Location: Kingston Library

• Details: Illuminating displays covering Kingston’s rich array of public art.

 

 

Chessington Memories: 50th Anniversary Exhibition

• • Dates: Mon 11 May – Sat 6 Jun

  • Location: Hook and Chessington Library

Details: A special collection curated by the Chessington District Residents' Association.

 

Under the Garden

• Dates: Fri 8 May – Sat 6 Jun

• Location: Tudor Drive Library

• Details: Learn about the creation of the community garden by the Friends of Tudor Drive Library.

• Stepping out: An Environmentalists Journey across Kingston and beyond

  • Dates: Tues 19 May – Sat 1 Aug

  • Location: Tolworth Community Library

  • Details: Stepping Out at Tolworth Community Library is an exhibition that follows the journey of Mac Downes, a Community Research Volunteer, as he journeys through Kingston and beyond highlighting the often unsung work by different communities who are passionate about making the world an environmentally friendly place.

 

 

Ancestry.com

Research Your Ancestors & Build A Family Tree On The UK’s Largest Family History Site! Accessible in Library branches and Kingston History Centre only.