Friday 6th of September
Postcards to a Loved One
After your tour of the museum, take a break in our calligraphy space to write a postcard to a friend or loved one. The pen trade increased literacy, education, and the availability of writing materials, meaning it would have also allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family through letter writing and correspondence. Choose a postcard, and with someone in mind, write them a special note. All postcards and writing materials are free to use with the option of purchasing a stamp from the museum shop to send your special postcard in the post! This event is included with museum admission. We recommended to booking tickets online for admission, as spaces are limited.
Saturday 7th of September
Postcards to a Loved One
After your tour of the museum, take a break in our calligraphy space to write a postcard to a friend or loved one. The pen trade increased literacy, education, and the availability of writing materials, meaning it would have also allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family through letter writing and correspondence. Choose a postcard, and with someone in mind, write them a special note. All postcards and writing materials are free to use with the option of purchasing a stamp from the museum shop to send your special postcard in the post! This event is included with museum admission. We recommended to booking tickets online for admission, as spaces are limited.
Sunday 8th of September
Warstone Lane Cemetery tour, history of the cemetery & stories from the stones
Come and and join us for an unforgettable journey through the grounds of Warstone Lane cemetery during Birmingham Heritage Week. Join us for the Warstone Lane cemetery tour to discover the fascinating history of the cemetery & its residents! Located at Vyse Street, near Pitsford Street, this in-person event will take you on a journey through time as we explore the stories of those laid to rest here. From notable figures to unsung heroes, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of Birmingham’s past. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the history of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Meeting point: inside the cemetery above the catacombs.
History of Key Hill Cemetery & exterior catacombs
Come and join us for an immersive journey through the fascinating Key Hill Cemetery in Birmingham on Sunday 8 September at 2pm where we will explore the rich history and captivating stories that lie within this historic burial ground. Key Hill Cemetery is a hidden gem that holds countless tales of the past. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to discover the secrets of the cemetery and delve into the lives of the individuals laid to rest here. Our expert guide will lead you through the cemetery, sharing intriguing anecdotes and uncovering the hidden stories behind the gravestones. You’ll also have the chance to explore the exterior catacombs, a haunting underground labyrinth that adds an extra layer of mystery to the experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a memorable morning, this Key Hill Cemetery tour promises to be a captivating adventure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the past and immerse yourself in Birmingham’s fascinating heritage.
Jewellery Quarter Sports Heritage Tour
Join us on the Jewellery Quarter Sports Heritage Tour, where we’ll showcase the Jewellery Quarter firms building on 250 years of trophy and medal-making experience and also learn about local sporting legends of bygone days. Book your spot now for an inspiring and enlightening journey through the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Meet outside the Coffin Works museum (13-15 Fleet St, B3 1JP) for this walking tour. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.
Monday 9th of September
Kathleen Dayus and other Jewellery Quarter Gems Tour
Join us for a guided tour and talk about the life and times of local author Kathleen Dayus. Discover the Jewellery Quarter as described in her memoirs of growing up on Camden Street in the early 1900s when the Pig & Tail was known as George and the Dragon. This tour combines archive photos of the area with historic information as well as excerpts from Kathleen Dayus’ novels. Free but booking required.
Tuesday 10th of September
Behind the Scenes Building Tour – Assay Studios
Learn how this disjointed building was given a new sense of place and flow by creating a new central heart where the old garage doors used to be. Visit secret rooms like the vault and wine store, marvel at period features including staircases and fireplaces, and peek inside some of the original spaces like The Library, now getting a new lease of life. This event is free and includes refreshments on arrival. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. Please be aware that to fully explore some areas of this historic building, we will need to use the stairs and so this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday 11th of September
Birmingham Assay Office
Join us on Wednesday 11th September, from 12 pm to 4 pm, for a heartfelt celebration of Birmingham’s rich heritage. We’re excited to share the story of our beloved city by partnering with brands who, like us, are deeply committed to preserving and promoting its cultural legacy.
Thursday 12th of September
Postcards to a Loved One
After your tour of the museum, take a break in our calligraphy space to write a postcard to a friend or loved one. The pen trade increased literacy, education, and the availability of writing materials, meaning it would have also allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family through letter writing and correspondence. Choose a postcard, and with someone in mind, write them a special note. All postcards and writing materials are free to use with the option of purchasing a stamp from the museum shop to send your special postcard in the post! This event is included with museum admission. We recommended to booking tickets online for admission, as spaces are limited.
Kathleen Dayus and other Jewellery Quarter Gems Tour
Join us for a guided tour and talk about the life and times of local author Kathleen Dayus. Discover the Jewellery Quarter as described in her memoirs of growing up on Camden Street in the early 1900s when the Pig & Tail was then known as George and the Dragon. This tour combines archive photos of the area with historic information as well as excerpts from Kathleen Dayus’ novels. Please bring weather-appropriate footwear and clothing. Tickets are free but limited, please book ahead. The meeting point is outside the doors of The Pig & Tail pub. (12-13 Albion St, Birmingham B1 3ED)
Friday 13th of September
Behind the Scenes Building Tour – Assay Studios
Learn how this disjointed building was given a new sense of place and flow by creating a new central heart where the old garage doors used to be. Visit secret rooms like the vault and wine store, marvel at period features including staircases and fireplaces, and peek inside some of the original spaces like The Library, now getting a new lease of life. This event is free and includes refreshments on arrival. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. Please be aware that to fully explore some areas of this historic building, we will need to use the stairs and so this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Postcards to a Loved One
After your tour of the museum, take a break in our calligraphy space to write a postcard to a friend or loved one. The pen trade increased literacy, education, and the availability of writing materials, meaning it would have also allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family through letter writing and correspondence. Choose a postcard, and with someone in mind, write them a special note. All postcards and writing materials are free to use with the option of purchasing a stamp from the museum shop to send your special postcard in the post! This event is included with museum admission. We recommended to booking tickets online for admission, as spaces are limited.
Kathleen Dayus and other Jewellery Quarter Gems Tour
Join us for a guided tour and talk about the life and times of local author Kathleen Dayus. Discover the Jewellery Quarter as described in her memoirs of growing up on Camden Street in the early 1900s when the Pig & Tail was known as George and the Dragon. This tour combines archive photos of the area with historic information as well as excerpts from Kathleen Dayus’ novels. Free but booking required.
Saturday 14th of September
Hands-on Conservation Workshop
Join Matt Faber from conservation specialists Oliver Architecture, for a hands-on workshop where you will get the opportunity to use traditional building materials including lime mortar. Learn about historic buildings, materials and conservation methods by exploring the local architecture with Matt and the Jewellery Quarter heritage teams and a practical session in Warstone Lane Cemetery. This workshop will be delivered outside and it will involved the use of materials which may get onto clothing, so please make sure you wear something suitable. This event is heavily subsidised but there is a small charge for equipment hire. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. This event always has a waiting list so please let us know if you need to cancel for any reason. We’ll meet at the Vyse Street gate of the cemetery, opposite the multi-storey car park.
Key Hill Cemetery Interior Catacomb Chambers Tour
Come join us for a unique exploration of Key Hill Cemetery Interior Catacomb chambers tour for a unique experience. Find out about the history of the Key Hill catacombs and why they exist, discover the hidden secrets of the catacombs, and learn about the history of this historic location. Meeting Point at the Friends Information gazebo inside Warstone Lane cemetery to collect your admittance badge, a steward will then walk with the group to meet your guide in Key Hill cemetery. If you have booked tickets for both Warstone Lane interior catacomb and Key Hill interior catacomb tours ensure that you allow time for checking in, at the stall, the duration of the tour, plus the walk from one venue to the other, it is wise to leave one hour clear between tours. ALL TOURS on this day only will leave from the Friends Information Stall in Warstone Lane cemetery after you have collected your admittance badge.
Find a Grave number, index for Warstone Lane Cemetery & Key Hill Cemetery
This is your chance to learn more about your ancestors who rest in Warstone Lane cemetery & neighbouring Key Hill cemetery. Join us in person at Vyse Street, near Pitsford Street, for a special event where you obtain the information you require. Our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to assist you. It will be helpful if you bring a notebook, plus names and dates of birth and death if known. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to get the burial information you need to aid your Family History. Join us inside Warstone Lane cemetery on Saturday 14 September at 11.30am-2.30pm . We look forward to welcoming you! One ticket per household/ group. Meeting point is at The Friends information stall inside Warstone Lane Cemetery. Main entrance is on Vyse Street.
Sunday 15th of September
Pen Museum Open Day
Join us for a special Open Day at the Pen Museum. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to enjoy all the museum has to offer free of cost. Try your hand at calligraphy with a dip pen and ink, take part in making a steel pen nib, and use graphology to analyse your handwriting. Learn all about the steel pen trade and its importance in Birmingham history. Please book your free time slot in advance, as spaces are limited.
Behind the Scenes Building Tour – Assay Studios
Learn how this disjointed building was given a new sense of place and flow by creating a new central heart where the old garage doors used to be. Visit secret rooms like the vault and wine store, marvel at period features including staircases and fireplaces, and peek inside some of the original spaces like The Library, now getting a new lease of life. This event is free and includes refreshments on arrival. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. Please be aware that to fully explore some areas of this historic building, we will need to use the stairs and so this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Behind the Scenes Building Tour – Assay Studios
Learn how this disjointed building was given a new sense of place and flow by creating a new central heart where the old garage doors used to be. Visit secret rooms like the vault and wine store, marvel at period features including staircases and fireplaces, and peek inside some of the original spaces like The Library, now getting a new lease of life. This event is free and includes refreshments on arrival. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. Please be aware that to fully explore some areas of this historic building, we will need to use the stairs and so this tour is not wheelchair accessible.