Monday March 9th 2026
Researchers in the history centre's reading room
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A highly valued resource for researchers and those interested in peeping into the past – East Lothian Library Service’s Local History Centre is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026.
The Centre officially opened its doors in a small space above Haddington Library at Newton Port inn1976. In 2012, it moved to larger premises at the John Gray Centre on Lodge Street.
As well as benefiting local historians it has had national attention too, starring as a filming location for BBC documentaries ‘Lucy Worsley Investigates: The Witch Hunts’, ‘Union with David Olusoga’, and ‘Empire with David Olusoga’.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary a series of community-focused, educational, local history- themed events, under the brand LH50, has been planned at the John Gray Centre, the Haddington Corn Exchange and at other East Lothian branch libraries.
Councillor Colin McGinn, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “The fact that the Local History Centre has been such a helpful resource for five decades, championing East Lothian’s rich history thanks to its resources and the knowledge and expertise of our Library Services colleagues, is something we really want to celebrate.
“The main objective of LH50 is to illustrate the tapestry of historical people and places of East Lothian and to celebrate 50 years of the Local History Centre being a heritage resource for local communities and for people from across the UK and the rest of the world looking to uncover family ties to the county.
“LH50 events have been designed to boost awareness of the services provided by the Local History Centre to residents of East Lothian old and new and of all ages.”
Celebrations will start with a Family History Fair on Monday 20 April which will offer drop-in sessions to members of the public. Consultation will be provided by the Library Service’s Local History Officer Dr Hanita Ritchie along with representatives from the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as local heritage groups.
Throughout the rest of the year, a variety of enlightening talks will be provided by external experts. This includes a special interview and audience with Scotland’s pre-eminent historian Professor Sir Tom Devine, which will take place on Monday 11 May at Haddington Corn Exchange. Tickets are on sale via the Brunton Box Office.
Other events include a bespoke Scottish Women’s Institute craft workshop, as well as an exhibition in autumn entitled Cinematic East Lothian, specially curated by East Lothian Museum Service and the Local History Centre. There will be talks by guest speakers from Napier University, Scottish Women’s Institute EL Federation, National Library of Scotland Maps Library, National Museum of Scotland, National Mining Museum at Newtongrange, Railway Museum Bo’ness, and from local heritage groups such as the Waggonway Group, and the Scottish Battlefield Trust.
LH50 events also aim to highlight the Local History Centre space, resources and staff expertise to local schools, heritage and non-heritage groups and to individuals from all walks of life throughout the community.
Councillor McGinn added: “Heritage engagement plays a significant role in mental health, social cohesion, community identity and the fostering of happiness and wellbeing, particularly through community and cultural participation in family history, house or building history and local study activities and events. So this is not just about promoting this fantastic service, but highlighting how getting involved in your history and heritage can boost your own wellbeing too. It’s a really wonderful resource for all sorts of reasons and I hope many people and groups will join us in celebrating this golden anniversary.”
Events will be advertised via posters, local press and social media, as well as on the John Gray Centre website throughout 2026. For more information and opening hours of the Local History Centre, visit the East Lothian Council website.
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