By KLTV Newsdesk –

Local speakers, including Dr Chloe Whitehead and Michelle Welch, join the national line-up for the Community Archives and Heritage Group’s first northern conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Community Archives and Heritage Group (CAHG) Conference, Community Voices, Community Heritage – preserving, sharing and celebrating diverse histories and traditions, taking place on Wednesday 19 June at the University of Huddersfield from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

In a first for the group, this year’s conference will be held in the north of England, and fittingly, it will shine a spotlight on powerful examples of community-led heritage work across the region – with a strong line-up of local speakers set to take centre stage.

Celebrating Local Leaders in Culture and Heritage

Among the headline speakers are Dr Chloe Whitehead from Culture Collective, and Michelle Welch, a key figure in the Huddersfield Carnival. Both are passionate advocates for preserving and celebrating the cultural richness of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire, and their inclusion reflects the area’s growing role in shaping grassroots heritage work.

Their presentations will form part of a wider programme that includes contributions from groups and individuals across the North of England and beyond, highlighting how community members are leading efforts to keep local stories, traditions, and knowledge alive – from oral histories and archival photography to song, crafts, and storytelling.

Empowering Communities to Tell Their Own Stories

The conference will explore how communities are increasingly taking control of their own histories, whether through independent projects or in collaboration with museums, libraries, and archives. Sessions will focus on accessible, inclusive heritage work and how to engage the public both online and in person.

The day will feature:

• Inspiring talks and case studies

• Skills workshops

• Poster presentations

• Ample networking opportunities

Venue and Access

The main conference will take place in ground floor rooms OA4/01 & OA4/02 of the Oastler Building at the University of Huddersfield’s Queensgate Campus (HD1 3DH), with some afternoon sessions held at Heritage Quay, just a short five-minute accessible walk away.

Join the Conversation

This event is free to attend, but places are limited and advance registration is required.

📅 Date: Wednesday 19 June 2025
🕥 Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
📍 Venue: Oastler Building, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate Campus

👉 Click here to book your free place via Eventbrite
👉 View the full programme and delegate information

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate diverse voices, share local knowledge, and connect with others committed to preserving and promoting community heritage.