Black Country History Day 2025

Organised by the Black Country Society in collaboration with the Black Country Living Museum as part of the Railways 200 celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Railways were arguably even more influential than canals, in the early development of the Black Country.  As well as being industrially significant the railways also transformed towns, transported newcomers to the area and brought artists and writers, who publicised the region’s characteristics to a national audience.  This event introduces several themes: the Agenoria, the first locomotive built in the Black Country, named after the Roman goddess of activity; railway brick building and station construction, accidents and railways travel. The history day explores the technological and cultural history of the railways and their role in shaping Black Country industry and society.

2025 sees the 200th anniversary of opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a date which marks the beginning of the modern railway.  This day school and the accompanying exhibition in Dudley Archives are local events which are also part of a national commemoration, Railway 200:  https://railway200.co.uk/

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The cost of the day school includes refreshments, lunch and car parking at the Museum.