Local History Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary
A highly valued resource for researchers and those interested in peeping into the past - our Library Service’s Local History Centre is celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout 2026.
The Centre officially opened its doors in a small space above Haddington Library at Newton Port in 1976. In 2012, it moved to larger premises at the John Gray Centre on Lodge Street.
As well as benefiting local historians it has had national attention too, starring as a filming location for BBC documentaries Lucy Worsley Investigates: The Witch Hunts, Union with David Olusoga and Empire with David Olusoga.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary a series of community-focused, educational and local history-themed events, under the brand LH50, has been planned at the John Gray Centre, the Haddington Corn Exchange and at our other branch libraries.
The Local Heritage Centre is a valued resource for people from near and far who want to uncover their family ties to East Lothian. LH50 will illustrate the tapestry of historical people and places of East Lothian and celebrate the centre’s history too.
"LH50 events have been designed to boost awareness of our services for older residents of the county as well as to the growing population of new and younger residents. I hope that visitors gain further insight into the history of their local area and are prompted to look into their family history, if they haven't already, by using the resources and assistance available at the Local History Centre," said Dr Hanita Ritchie, Local History Officer.
LH50 events have been designed to boost awareness of the services provided by the Local History Centre to residents old and new and of all ages.
Celebrations will start with a Family History Fair on Monday 20 April, 3.30pm to 6.30pm. The fair will offer drop-in sessions to members of the public who need help with their family tree or are curious about the history of where they live. Consultation will be provided by Dr Hanita Ritchie along with representatives from the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as local heritage groups.
Throughout the rest of the year, a variety of enlightening talks will be provided by external experts. This includes a special interview and audience with Scotland’s pre-eminent historian Professor Sir Tom Devine, which will take place on Monday 11 May at Haddington Corn Exchange. Tickets are on sale via the Brunton Box Office.
Other events include a bespoke Scottish Women’s Institute craft workshop, as well as an exhibition in autumn entitled Cinematic East Lothian, specially curated by East Lothian Museum Service and the Local History Centre. There will be talks by guest speakers from Napier University, Scottish Women’s Institute EL Federation, National Library of Scotland Maps Library, National Museum of Scotland, National Mining Museum at Newtongrange, Railway Museum Bo’ness, and from local heritage groups such as the Waggonway Group and the Scottish Battlefield Trust.
Events will be advertised via posters, local press and social media, as well as on the John Gray Centre website throughout 2026. For more information and opening hours of the Local History Centre, visit our website.
For any enquiries about the events or to make a booking, email the John Gray Centre.