A new initiative is launching this autumn in Cardiff to help young people discover and celebrate the city’s rich local history. As part of a UK-wide pilot, Cardiff has been selected as one of only five areas to host a Local History Hub, a teacher-led project designed to connect schools, historical sites, and community organisations through storytelling and place-based learning.
The Cardiff hub is spearheaded by Elizabeth Berry, Headteacher of Bryn Celyn Primary School, and aims to make history more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for learners and their communities.
Elizabeth Berry, Headteacher of Bryn Celyn Primary Schoolsaid: “I’m thrilled to be leading the Cardiff Local History Hub at Bryn Celyn Primary School! It’s an exciting opportunity to explore our city’s rich heritage and bring history to life. Collaborating with other schools and professionals will make learning meaningful, fun, and deeply connected to our local community and its stories.
“As part of this journey, I’m passionate about developing a curriculum in Wales that is authentic. By embedding local and living history, we can engage pupils in their own heritage and foster a strong sense ofcynefin—a deep-rooted connection to place, culture, and identity that helps them understand who they are and where they belong.”
Rooted in local schools and supported by tailored resources, community partnerships, and practical training, the Local History Hub will serve as a vibrant grassroots network. The initiative is led by Local History Hub CIC, a teacher-led social enterprise reimagining history education across the UK.
The hub’s work begins this term, with a growing number of Cardiff schools already signing up. A series of collaborative planning meetings will take place throughout the year to shape the hub’s activities and outreach.
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “We welcome the establishment of the Local History Hub in Cardiff which will provide learners with the opportunity to engage with their local history,deepening their understanding and building pride in where they live.”
