We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for Everyday History Heroes 2026, a national celebration of the organisations, places and people keeping local history alive.
Created by a partnership between Heritage Open Days and UK family history website, Findmypast, the ‘Everyday History Heroes’ award celebrates the historic and cultural sites that champion the stories of ordinary people – from nurses and miners to teachers, soldiers and changemakers. The award centres on the grassroots histories that often go untold: the communities who powered industries, stood up for their beliefs, and built modern Britain.
In the West Midlands, only three organisations were selected by a judging panel after England’s historical organisations were invited to put forward their bids for entry last month: Moor Pool Heritage Trust, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Escape Arts in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Moor Pool Heritage Trust uncovers, celebrates and keeps alive the stories of the people who helped build one of Birmingham’s most distinctive communities – the historic Moor Pool Garden Suburb. Through our ‘Everyday Working Lives’ project, exhibitions, heritage trails, community events and activities, we celebrate both the people who shaped Moor Pool and the community traditions that continue today. By connecting present-day residents with those who lived, worked and built the community over a century ago, the Trust celebrates links between past and present.
Our Hall Manager, Barbara Nomikos, said: ‘We are delighted that Moor Pool Heritage Trust has been shortlisted for Everyday History Heroes. Through projects such as Everyday Working Lives, alongside our collections, trails and community events, we’re uncovering and sharing stories of the ordinary people who shaped both Moor Pool and Birmingham’s City of a Thousand trades while celebrating the community spirit that continues today. This nomination is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the everyday people and the histories that are such an important part of Birmingham’s heritage, while inspiring future generations to discover and value these stories.’
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite site, helping to crown England’s first-ever Everyday History Heroes and we need your support! Voting is open until 31 August, with a national winner and seven regional winners to be announced on 10 September. Winners will receive a donation to help fund their community initiatives.
A total of 24 sites and teams have been shortlisted across England. The shortlisters feature a diverse mix of hidden gems and each represents a unique or unexpected interpretation of everyday history, rooted in local communities and heritage.
Historian David Olusoga is encouraging people to get involved and explore these sites as local gems: ‘History isn’t just about the famous names we learn in school – it’s about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today. We want to celebrate the amazingly diverse heritage and cultural sites that help us connect with people of the past, and understand how families and communities like our own lived, worked, and made their mark. I encourage everyone to explore the shortlist, discover a hidden gem near you, and cast your vote.’
Helen Kaye, Director of Brand and Communications at Findmypast, said: ‘The shortlisters showcase the uniqueness and diversity of the places and people working tirelessly to tell the story of their communities – with everything from a restored rhubarb farm to an asylum cemetery. With help from our extensive digital archives, more of the nation’s everyday histories come to light every day. We’re delighted to partner with Heritage Open Days to celebrate these ‘Everyday History Heroes’, and help more people discover the hidden histories on their doorstep.’
To find out more about Moor Pool’s Everyday Working Lives project, join us for our annual Moor Pool Heritage Festival on Sunday 20th September between 11am and 3pm. The event is free and is a celebration of the unique heritage and vibrant community spirit of the Moor Pool Estate.
Moor Pool Hall
37 The Circle, Harborne,
Birmingham, B17 9DY
Registered Charity Number: 1148252
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