Celebrating Hackney History Festival 2025
May 2025 sees the return of Hackney History Festival for its second year. The festival is going to be hosted at different venues throughout Hackney over two weekends in May - 10 and 11 May, and 17 and 18 May, with some satellite events taking place at other times during the month.
Find the full programme at the Hackney History Festival website now — the events listed below are the free events hosted across the Libraries, Museum and Archives, including both satellite events and events at the Archives on the weekend of 17 and 18 May. Spaces are limited, so please make sure you book your free tickets in advance (unless otherwise stated).
Abney Unearthed Exhibition
The Abney Unearthed project aims to research, map and learn about the people buried in Abney Park when the park operated as a commercial cemetery from 1840 to the late 1970s.
A Boy From Haggerston
Kevin Flude will tell the story of his father, Benjamin Flude, who was born in Haggerston in October 1927.
Drop-in craft activities for all the family
Take part in simple, self-led craft activities linked to Hackney’s communities and history.
10-5pm Saturdays 3rd, 10th, 17th May. Plus half term holidays 24th-31st May
Battlefield Hackney: The 43 Group & their fight against Britain's fascists 1946-1950
Talk with Daniel Sonabend, historian and author of 'We Fight Fascists'.
Hackney Archives stalls and tables
Stalls and tables will be available to browse all day at Hackney Archives. No need to book, just turn up!
Feminist Re-Imaginings at the Rio, 1980-2025!
This illustrated talk will share research conducted in the Rio’s archive, excavating a feminist history of women’s film and video programming. Come along to share your memories and memorabilia.
Dalston Square: a stage through time
Exclusive talk on how Dalston was transformed into a circus, a theatre and a cinema space before evolving into dynamic music venues hosting international artists and the development of music and youth culture in East London.
Tours of the stores
Join Hackney Archives for a sneak peek behind the scenes into our basement treasure trove store rooms.
Celebrating 40 years of Hackney City Farm
Hackney City Farm presents a short film and talk to mark the Farm’s 40th anniversary.
Abney Unearthed - Remapped, Researched, Rediscovered
Abney Unearthed is an exciting project to remap the cemetery and discover more about the people buried there. Project manager Haydn S explains why it is so vital, and will introduce the exhibition running at the Archives.
Shrubland Road TRA and the Closed Pubs of Hackney
Peter Jarvis from Shrubland TRA on using archive research to create local events and publications.
Dalston Peace Mural
Local historian Laurie Elks chairs a panel discussion with Roland Walker and Alan May, two of the figures in the Dalston Peace Mural.
Wikiediting Workshop
Trainers from Wikimedia UK will give an overview of Wikipedia editing and assist attendees.
Sean Pollock in Conversation with Petra Roberts
Documentary and portrait photographer Sean Pollock launches and discusses his new book, A Portrait of Hackney 2005-2025.
Abney Inspired Family Workshop
Join the Stamford Hill Library resident artists for a family workshop inspired by Abney Park Cemetery.
East London: Edgelands and Elsewheres
Join us for launch readings from new books of poetry by East London poets Jude Rosen and Derrick Porter.