Centre for Midlands History and Cultures closes.

The University of Birmingham has made the decision to close its research Centre for Midlands History and Cultures.

The University issued the following statement:
Due to changes in staff, research specialisms, and resources, we have decided to close the Centre for Midlands History and Cultures. Although the Centre will no longer be in action, we remain committed to teaching Midlands History and engaging with the ongoing research in this area. In terms of teaching, we encourage our History undergraduate students to explore the history of Birmingham from their first year, through our People and Places module, and prov de opportunities for them to follow such interests through the second-year Public History module and final-year dissertations.
To support and celebrate new research in Midlands history we will continue to be involved in the editing of Midlands History and will launch a new annual lecture. The Malcolm Dick OBE Annual Lecture in Midlands History’ will provide an opportunity for those interested in research on the Midlands to come together.

The Friends organisation which supported the Centre for many years has also ceased. However, in order to explore support for a local history information exchange for the region, members have set up a new West Midlands History Exchange email list. To join, visit www.balh.org.uk/TZX232