Events Archive: April 2026

Reading Old Handwriting in English and Latin: Practical Workshop

11^th Apr 2026 Are you using historic documents for local or family history? If you are grappling with reading old handwriting or reading Latin words and phrases in documents from the 16th century onwards, this practical, hands-on workshop at Dorset History Centre is for you! With a mix of working solo and in pairs, Principal Archivist Claire Skinner will help you discover how to read common types of document ... click for more

Transported for the Rest of Your Natural Life! A Talk by Mike Randall

30^th Apr 2026 Learn about the sufferings of “unfortunate and melancholy souls” convicted at Dorchester Assizes in the late 18thand 19thcenturies and what befell them and the families they left behind. Mike Randall is a former head-teacher and experienced public speaker and genealogist who has contributed to Family Tree Magazine. He is also a volunteer at Shire Hall courthouse museum in Dorchester where h ... click for more