Outreach and education

Explore our events which aim to engage people with the rich history of the East End through our collections. Details are advertised on our What's On page, social media channels and newsletter.

At Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives we hold a wide range of free exhibitions and events.

Our rich East End history collections are at the heart of our programme which aims to connect everyone. Sessions cater to groups including:

community groups
school pupils and teachers
resident East Enders old and new
family and local historians
visitors including overseas tourists.

Events draw on themes from the unique materials which we preserve and collect on behalf of the borough. We want to ensure that histories of the people and places of Tower Hamlets are at your fingertips.

We design events and activities to inspire you to explore the multitude of stories displayed in our collections. We also provide sessions to help you care for your own personal or organisation's photographs and records.

If you are a teacher, a student, community group or member of the public and if you have an idea to engage people in the history of Tower Hamlets, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer

A popular programme of free exhibitions and events exploring the rich history of Tower Hamlets. Explore our latest exhibitions and events.
Local history expertise rooted in our unique library and archive collections
Curriculum-linked workshops for schools in Tower Hamlets.
Bespoke workshops for organizations or groups wanting to explore collections relating to a specific topic or theme
East End History Club sessions
Exhibitions bringing you insightful perspectives into our collections. With exhibition tours tailored to the needs of your group. For example, students learning English, with a breakout space available after the tour for discussion and reflection
Film and audio collections and screening facilities
Digital learning resources exploring specific themes
Activities onsite take place in our Grade II listed building typically using our original collections
Outreach visits, talks and stalls at offsite community gatherings
Use of our large, accessible Education Room onsite with capacity for 60 seated theatre style for for hire
Film and audio collections and screening facilities
Digital learning resources exploring specific themes/collections available online
Experienced support on request to community groups developing their own heritage projects.

We welcome your radical new approaches to exploring the histories represented by our collections. We are aware of the East End’s historical location at the centre of British imperialism and global trade and we welcome collaborations to explore this.

Contact us to plan your group visits. Please give at least two months' notie if you would like to book us to deliver a workshop or tour.

If you would like to engage with Tower Hamlets history please contact us.

Not on the list?

We are keen to develop new approaches. If there is an activity you would like to explore which is not included we’d love to hear from you! If you would like to engage with Tower Hamlets history get in touch.