The vote is now closed. The winners will be announced on 10 September 2026.
From conservationism to 19th-century courthouses, organisers across Yorkshire have brought fascinating local histories to life using Findmypast. The winning team will be named England’s Everyday History Heroes and will receive £1,000 to continue their work.
Otley Courthouse
Once a courthouse, police station and jail, Otley Courthouse has witnessed generations of local lives pass through its doors. Their 2026 Heritage Open Days event explores 170 years of Otley Police Force history, uncovering the stories of officers and local residents connected to the building using Findmypast's census records and address searches. By focusing on the people behind the institution, they bring a unique chapter of Yorkshire history to life.
Hollybush Conservation Centre
Standing on the site of a pioneering rhubarb farm, Hollybush Conservation Centre uses local heritage to uncover the stories hidden in familiar places. Their 2026 Heritage Open Days event, Family Fortunes, explores the dramatic life of the Whitwell family, whose rivalries and scandals once made local headlines. Full of twists, turns and larger-than-life characters, it draws heavily on Findmypast's newspaper archive to bring a colourful Victorian story to life.
Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground
Rescued from neglect through an extraordinary community effort, Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground has become a lasting tribute to the people who shaped the local area. Volunteers have researched thousands of burials, uncovering remarkable stories hidden within the cemetery. Their 2026 Heritage Open Days event invites visitors to explore the site's rich heritage, with Findmypast's census, military and family history records helping reconnect families with forgotten stories.
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