We run an extensive programme of events during the year, including workshops, classes and conferences. The majority of these events are held in Chelmsford, but other locations across the county are also used.
For the full events listing, download our ERO events guide. You may also be interested our services for schools and further education.
If you wish to be added to our mailing list, and receive a printed copy of the events programme, please email ero.enquiry@essex.gov.uk. You can also:
Unless otherwise stated, all events must be booked in advance – please telephone 01245 244 614.
May
Searchroom tour
This 45-minute tour will show you how to get the very best from the record office’s searchroom and is ideal if you are just starting your research. The tour includes an introduction to Seax and Essex Ancestors, microfiche and microfilm, maps, the Essex Sound and Video Archive and the ERO library.
Tuesday 21 May, 10.30am-11.15am
Tickets: Free
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
Family fun: 3D Tudor Chelmsford
Help us to bring Tudor Chelmsford back to life! In 1591, a very special map was made of the town, showing each individual house and shop. Come along to make a Tudor house and place it on our last map.
Suitable for ages 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult; maximum two children per adult
Wednesday 29 May, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm
Tickets £2 per child
Just drop in
June
Essex History Group: Around the world with Colonel Whitmore
A talk by Allyson Lewis, archivist for the Essex History Group.
Tuesday 4 June, 10.30am-11.30am
Free, small charge for tea and coffee
All welcome, no need to book
Walk with Walker
The Walker map of Chelmsford is one of the gems in the record office’s collections. Using this as a starting point, we will uncover some of the secrets of Chelmsford High Street. The walk is on flat terrain and under one mile.
Wednesday 12 June, 2pm-3.30pm
Tickets: £5
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
Discover: Wills – new for 2013
Wills are a valuable source of information about life in the past. This session will show you how to find out if your ancestors made a will, what you might find in a will, and explain other probate records which may be useful.
Thursday 13 June, 2pm-4pm
Tickets: £10
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
Discover: Family history for beginners (Witham library)
Get to grips with the basics of family history in a session for beginners. Discover what civil registration and the census can reveal about your ancestors. We will also look at internet sources.
Thursday 13 June, 10.30am-12.30pm
Witham library, 18 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2AQ
Discover: Essex place names
This session, run by the Essex Place Names project, will provide an introduction to the place names of Essex, including how they evolved and what they mean. We will look at major towns and villages, as well as farms, fields and natural features of the landscape. We will also explain the work of the Essex Place Names project, which provides a unique record and an opportunity for people to get involved in their own parish history.
Tuesday 25 June, 10.30am-12.30pm
Tickets: £10
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
July
Conference: Essex’s industrial archaeology
Since large-scale industrialisation began in the 18th century, industrial development has had a huge influence on the way people have lived. Essex is often overlooked as an industrial county, but industry is a fascinating aspect of the county’s past. This one-day conference will take a look at the industries which sprang up here, and the impact they had on local people’s lives.
Saturday 6 July, 9.30am-4pm
Tickets: £15, including refreshments and buffet lunch.
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
Walk: Southend-on-Sea – The arrival of the railway – new for 2013
Discover how the town developed with the coming of the London, Tilbury and Southend railway. A one-mile walk on flat terrain through the Cliff Town conservation area.
Wednesday 10 July, 10.30am-12pm
Tickets: £5
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
August
Searchroom tour
This 45-minute tour will show you how to get the best from the record office’s searchroom and is ideal if you are just starting your research. The tour includes an introduction to Seax and Essex Ancestors, microfiche and microfilm, maps, the Essex Sound and Video Archive and the ERO library.
Saturday 17 August, 9.30am-10.15am
Free, but please book in advance on 01245 244 614
Discover: Family history for beginners (Thurrock Museum)
Get to grips with the basics of family history in a session for beginners. Discover what civil registration and the census can reveal about your ancestors. We will also look at internet sources.
Thursday 22 August, 10.30am-12.00pm
Thurrock Museum, Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX
September
Essex History Group: The Essex Record Office – Reflections on its 75th anniversary
A talk by Vic Gray, former ERO county archivist, for the Essex History Group. All welcome.
Tuesday 3 September, 10.30am-11.30am
Free, small charge for tea and coffee
No need to book
Discover: Maps
Join members of our searchroom team for a practical session that will explain how to use some of the many different kinds of maps that can be found in the record office.
Tuesday 10 September, 2pm-4pm
Tickets: £10
Please book in advance on 01245 244 614
Heritage open day: ERO@75
Join us for a celebration of the ERO’s 75th birthday. See behind the scenes on guided tours (including a special tour for families), visit the ERO helpdesk for expert advice on family, house or local history, see some of the ERO’s ‘treasures’ and watch archive films. Find out how we take care of Essex’s past and join us as we look back at how Essex has changed in the past 75 years.
Saturday 14 September, 10am-4pm
In conjunction with Heritage Open Days
Searchroom tour
This 45-minute tour will show you how to get the best from the record office’s searchroom and is ideal if you are just starting your research. The tour includes an introduction to Seax and Essex Ancestors, microfiche and microfilm, maps, the Essex Sound and Video Archive and the ERO library.
Wednesday 25 September, 10.30am-11.15am
Free, but please book in advance on 01245 244 614