Events & Exhibitions

Throughout the year Wigan Heritage Services hosts a calendar of exhibitions and events.

Forthcoming events include:

Exhibitions

Freemasonry... It’s no secret!
A History of the Wigan Lodges

6th May - 19th July 2008

A fascinating exhibition exploring the unique and long-standing history of Freemasonry in Wigan.

In association with Wigan & District Association for Masonic Research.

Free to attend
Venue: History Shop, Library Street, Wigan.
Opening Times

Tel: 01942-828128

Family Events

May Half Term

‘Hard Times’ - How We Used to Work
See the mighty Trencherfield Mill steam Engine, enjoy an exciting audio visual show and cotton spinning demonstration. Take part in a fun craft activity. Fun for all the family. Booking essential contact: 01942 323666.

Date: 28th May- 30th May
Time: 10am-11.30am.
Price: £3.50 per person, £10.50 family ticket (4 persons)
Venue: Trencherfield Mill

Victorian Holidays
Take a step back in time and discover how the Victorians spent their Summer holidays. Find out how they spent their leisure time, places they visited and how holidays have changed. Take part in a fun craft activity. Booking essential contact: 01942 828128.

Date: 28th May
Time: 2pm-3pm.
Price: £2 per person
Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan

How We Used to Live
Take a step back in time to Victorian Wigan and discover what it was like to live in a typical working class home. Handle Victorian objects and take part in a fun craft activity.
Booking essential book : 01942 828128.

Date: 29th May
Time: 2pm-3pm.
Price: £2 per person
Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan

The Legend Of Mabs Cross
Follow the footsteps of Lady Mabel in a short walk around Wigan followed by a craft activity. Fun for all the family. Booking essential contact: 01942 828128.

Date: 30th May
Time: 1.30pm-3pm
Price: £3.50 per person, £10.50 family ticket (4 persons)
Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan

Summer Activities

Every Tuesday from the 29th July- 19th August

‘Cotton Mill & Canal Thrill’
Fun for all the family- See the mighty engine in steam and enjoy a cotton spinning demonstration. Take part in craft activities and a special canal boat ride!
Booking essential contact: 01942 323666.

Time: 1pm-4pm
Price: £5 children, £3 adults or family ticket (4 persons)- £14
Venue: Trencherfield Mill

Every Wednesday from the 30th July- 20th August

Your Past, Your Present, Your Future
Take a step back in time and discover Wigan’s heritage through a series of fun workshops. Covering a variety of topics, take part in learning activities and crafts, handle objects, and explore what The History Shop has to offer. Booking essential contact: 01942 828128.

Time: 2pm- 3pm
Price: £2
Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan.

All events suitable for children aged 5- 11 years accompanied by an adult. Place are limited so booking with pre-payment is essential.

In addition to our calendar of events, regular events include:

Regular Events

Wigan on the Map exhibition
Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan.

The whole of the Parish Map, created by the people for the people, exhibited in one venue for the first time. The "map" (28 giant panels featuring embroidered, painted, and knitted images) was made by community groups from all over Wigan Borough, in partnership with Soroptimist International (Wigan) to celebrate the Millennium. The images reflect the best loved aspects of each area, whether it is the local church, pub, legend or community organisation. The aim was to bring people together, and encourage community spirit. Our theme is that of common ground, where we explore how the past helps define who we are, and the present, who we will be.
ADMISSION FREE
Opening Times
You can also book a talk and tour of the fabulous exhibition of Parish Maps at the History Shop for your group or society. (Tel: 01942 828128 to book)
Who do you think you are? Family History Workshops
Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan

If you are interested in researching your Family Tree but don’t know where to get started, Family History Workshops, take place every fortnight on a Wednesday afternoon at The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan.

Run by experienced volunteers, the sessions involve over an hour of intensive, one to one tuition, a full information pack, and free use of all the resources in the study area at the History Shop.

The sessions are aimed at beginners, with family connections to the Wigan area and need to be booked in advance.

Cost: £4.95

For further information please contact the History Shop: 01942 828128