Background and history of the society
The gravestone of Frederic Seebohm,
a Hitchin Quaker, banker and
historian, outside the Quaker
Meeting House at the junction of
Bedford Road and Paynes Park
Founded in 1977, Hitchin Historical Society is a registered charity whose object is to increase and spread knowledge of all aspects of the history of Hitchin. We also liaise with other local societies on issues where we feel that account should be taken of the town’s historic character.
Society Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July, August and December) at 8 pm in Church House, Churchyard, Hitchin. At each meeting, a guest speaker talks, usually with illustrations, on an aspect of local history. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; coffee and biscuits are available, and you will be made warmly welcome.
Each year we arrange visits to local buildings and institutions, many of which are not normally open to the general public. We also organise trips, at reasonable charges to cover costs, to places of historical interest further afield.
Members receive a regular newsletter, keeping them abreast of Society news and events in the town, and a periodic magazine, the Hitchin Journal. The Journal carries articles on Hitchin’s history, as well as members’ reminiscences and research, and covers the impact of current events on the town’s heritage.
On the practical side, the Society has an active publications programme. We produce high-quality publications on the history of the town, its buildings and people. Recent, well received, examples are Hitchin Arcade, Take the Train from Hitchin, Two Minutes to the Station and A Century of Old Hitchin on Film DVD, as well as the ever-popular Visitor’s History of Hitchin and the Tilehouse Street and Bucklersbury Walks leaflets. New publications are constantly in the pipeline.
Members may borrow from the society’s extensive collection of books and other historical material.
Membership is open to everyone; all you need to bring is an interest in Hitchin and its history.
30th Anniversary Celebrations
At our 30th Aniversary celebrations in 2007, we held several special events during the Annual General Meeting including presentations by members past and present, with memories and stories of the society over the years.
Founder members Terry Knight and
Jean Williams
cut our celebratory cake
Joining
Follow this link to download an application form.
This page was last updated on 23rd January 2012
© Hitchin Historical Society 2007-12
Registered Charity Number 280746