Libraries
Free Heritage Open Days bookings now open with Walsall Archives
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Bookings are now open for Heritage Open Days, taking place across Walsall this September, offering residents the chance to explore the borough’s rich cultural history and heritage. All events are free to attend.
As England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days invites people to discover the extraordinary in everyday places and stories. From Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026, this year’s programme celebrates ‘Everyday Histories’, bringing local heritage to life and highlighting the stories that connect communities.
Walsall Archives is joining the national festival and organising its own free events, giving residents the opportunity to uncover hidden histories, visit unique locations and learn more about the area’s rich cultural heritage.
“ Heritage Open Days remind us of the value of sharing stories, exploring traditions and celebrating the people and places that have shaped our communities.
“The events taking place across Walsall this year give residents the opportunity to discover hidden heritage, visit unique locations and enjoy new experiences. With all activities offered free of charge, everyone has then chance to get involved. “
Tour of Walsall Archives
Friday 25 September 2026* – 10.30am-11.30am
Walsall Archives, Lichfield Street Hub, Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR
Free event | Advance booking required
Join archivist Ian Gray for a behind-the-scenes tour of Walsall Archives and discover stories from the borough’s past. Highlights from the collections include material relating to former Mayor, travelling showman and entrepreneur Pat Collins, alongside records showcasing the people and industries that helped shape Walsall. To book, please email localhistorycentre@walsall.gov.uk or call 01922 652 212.
*Due to popular demand, this is an extra date, as the first tour on Friday 11 September sold out.
Pat Collins – King of Showmen
Friday 11 September 2026 – 12pm-1pm
Walsall Archives, Lichfield Street Hub, Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR
Free event | Advance booking required
Local author and historian Ned Williams explores the life and legacy of Pat Collins, the renowned travelling showman, entrepreneur and former Mayor of Walsall. To book, please email localhistorycentre@walsall.gov.uk or call 01922 652 212.
St. Matthew’s – The Story of Walsall
Friday 11 September 2026 – 6pm - 9pm (last entry: 8.30 pm)
Saturday 12 September 2026 – 10am-3pm (last entry: 2.30pm)
St. Matthew's Church, St. Matthews Close, Walsall WS1 3DG
Free event | No booking required | Refreshments will be available.
Explore Walsall's historic parish church and discover more than 850 years of history. Visitors can view the early 19th century nave, damaged by a major gas explosion, and the 15th century chancel, which still bears marks from the Civil War.
The church's medieval crypt, thought to be Walsall's oldest surviving building, will also be open. Other highlights include the 14th century font featuring local coats of arms and a Tudor rose, impressive monuments, and stained-glass windows including the East Window dedicated to Sister Dora.
Brownhills and Pelsall on Old Picture Postcards
Brownhills Community Library, Park View Centre, Chester Road North, Brownhills WS8 7JB
Free event | No booking required
See a collection of enlarged postcards dating from the 1900s to the 1960s, featuring scenes from Brownhills and Pelsall. Around 40 images showcase local streets, businesses, public buildings and landmarks, including Brownhills Council House, Brownhills High Street, Brownhills Station, Pelsall Sanatorium, Wyrley Hall and several historic pubs.
- Fridays 11 and 18 September 2026: 8.30am-6pm
- Saturdays 12 and 19 September 2026: 9am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-5pm
- Tuesday 15 September 2026: 8.30am-6pm
- Wednesday 16 September 2026: 8.30am-6pm
- Thursday 17 September 2026: 8.30am-6pm
A Step into the Past at Willenhall Library
Saturday 12 September 2026 – 11am-3pm
Willenhall Library, Walsall Street, Willenhall WV13 2EX
Free event | No booking required
Discover part of the former Willenhall Town Hall that is not usually open to the public. Built in 1934 for Willenhall Urban District Council, the building became home to Willenhall Library in 1969. Visitors will be able to explore the original council chamber, which remains largely unchanged and still contains its historic furniture and photographs of former Willenhall Mayors.
Brownhills Round 'n' About – An Illustrated Talk
Wednesday 16 September 2026 – 2pm
Brownhills Community Library, The Parkview Centre, Chester Road North, Brownhills WS8 7JB
Free event | Advance booking required
Join local historian and author Bill Mayo for a nostalgic illustrated presentation featuring postcards and photographs from his personal collection. To reserve a place, contact Brownhills Community Library on 01922 650 730 or email: brownhillslibrary@walsall.gov.uk. Booking closes on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Aldridge Transport Museum
Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 September 2026, 10.30am-4pm
Shenstone Drive, Aldridge, Walsall WS9 8TP
Free event | No booking required
Visit this commercial road transport museum and explore a collection of buses, vehicles and transport-related exhibits connected to the West Midlands.
Many of the buses are accessible to visitors, offering a glimpse into how public transport has evolved over time. Photography is welcomed and encouraged.
For more information about Heritage Open Days events across the country, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About Heritage Open Days:
Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has been making history and culture more accessible for more than 30 years. Last year more than 2,500 organisers and 44,200 volunteers ran 5,879 events across the country, attracting over one million visits. Around one-quarter of visitors had not visited a heritage site/event in the past year while 83% of festivalgoers said their visit made them prouder of their local area.
The nationwide celebration of community history and heritage is organised by the National Trust and supported by Postcode Lottery players. It provides an exciting programme of events delivered locally by thousands of organisations and volunteers.
Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission.
Events this year will focus on the festival’s theme of ‘Everyday Histories’, presented by family history website, Findmypast.
Thanks to Findmypast’s support, organisers can delve deeper than ever into local hidden histories with 100 participating community organisers receiving free access to the website’s extensive archive of historical records and newspapers to help research and shape their events.
A selection of photos from previous HODs events is available on the Heritage Open Days website.
About Walsall Archives:
Walsall Archives is the dedicated local history and record service for the Walsall borough. Based inside the Lichfield Street Hub alongside the central library, it collects and preserves documents dating back to the 13th century, offering free public access for local research, family history tracking, and community heritage exploration.
