New Year resolutions that reconnect us

Have you ever wondered about the origins of a local place name, building or monument, or paused to think about the lives that shaped your community? Unearthing the past strengthens our connection to the present, sparking curiosity and conversation while fostering a sense of place. Local libraries – rich with archive material – are a good place to begin.

“Local history is an excellent way to connect, it enables a connection to the past through the world around us by learning around the place in which we live, or another place with meaning to us,” says Joe Saunders, local historian and vice-chair of the British Association for Local History. “By learning about our local history we can reconnect, or connect for the first time, with past communities and with present people, especially through our neighbourhoods or local societies.”

Even closer to home, tracing your own ancestry can be equally rewarding. Jen Baldwin, a research specialist at the online genealogy platform Find My Past, suggests talking to older relatives to uncover memories and family stories.

“Family history is about understanding our ancestors and the world in which they lived – the challenges they faced, the choices they made – to really bring their stories to life,” says Baldwin. “If you’ve ever wondered where you come from, there’s no better time to start reconnecting with your roots.”

Image: Joshua Manjgo