History as a hobby, what would that look like?

[DoodlePug]

We're hoping for very early retirement (pre-50s) and considering what that would look like.

We've already some quite active and involved hobbies which could really stretch to fill the time but would quite like to do something new.

Travel is the usual thing but neither of us have ever been that way inclined.

We both love history and wondered how that could shape up as an active hobby. But a bit stuck really. Best thought is to find a book/ series for inspiration and go to places that spark interest to find out more. Or perhaps there's a society we could join that has field trips? Can you enrol for a degree and just do the lectures and trips without the stressful studying?? (assume not but that would be ideal).

Does anyone have history as an active hobby? What do you do?

If you want lectures without studying, have a look at FutureLearn and Coursera.

Look at your local university. They will have part-time courses in lots of subjects and because of the hours they are put on, they tend to attract retired people.

Eg Liverpool uni runs a centre for continuing education. Offering 10 week long courses usually evening time.
There are lots of history courses as well as archaeology courses.
There’s a cost tiered to your income.

Some local councils will run adult Ed courses. Think usually exam though.

Joining local history or archive groups? Museum volunteer? There’s probably a meet up history group somewhere.

Research your family history and go and visit the places your ancestors were from. History is far more interesting when you have a personal link and if you go back far enough you are bound to find some interesting characters.

Historical tours in neighbouring areas to where you like. Volunteer at an archaeological dig or at a museum.

Look up Jodi Taylor's St Mary's series. Could spark interest in historical events.

It's not really a hobby for me as such, but I volunteer for a lot of local history groups/projects and that fills my time incredibly well. I suppose it depends on what aspect/era of history you find interesting? Architecture, clothing, texts, when, where?

There are an amazing amount of local history groups out there who might spark something in you that you'd never previously considered. My area is really, REALLY niche, but the more I learn, the more I dive into really deep rabbitholes. When that goes quiet, I do more basic stuff for other projects. It's wonderful, and I'd never give it up. I've made so many friends unexpectedly, and it gives me something to do. I don't consider it my hobby, it's just what I do

Join a reenactment society!

I have friends who do metal detecting as they love history. They find all sorts of interesting old coins and artifacts. They travel alot for it too

I used to spend my summers on archaeological digs. Not just in the U.K. There are some amazing opportunities out there.

Research your family history?
Some cities have history walks
Join National Trust or volunteer at a local heritage site
U3A might have a local history course?
Evening classes (virtual or irl)
Mudlarking or metal detecting

We spend a few weeks on an archaeological dig each year (we go to the same place and meet up with friends). We're not retired so use our holiday to do so.

There are lots of re-enactment groups around the country, either join one or visit their shows. My son loves history, I had no idea re-enactment was a thing, but this summer we went to a Sealed Knot re-enactment (English civil war) and The Victory Show (WW2). Both were really good.

Also keep a look out for local history or archeological societies.

I do medieval living history. I go and stay in my period-inspired tent at different historical castles and other locations, cook on an open fire, do weaving, sewing, play my harp, talk to the public, wander around, get free entry to whichever castle we're staying at... I absolutely love it!!

A relative is very interested in Ancient Egypt and there is a society locally that has monthly meetings with a special guest speaker. Through the society the relative also finds out about other Ancient Egypt related events so they quite often go off to day courses or join zoom talks etc. If there’s a specific area of history you’re interested in you might find something similar near you. Doesn’t even necessarily have to be near you - during covid the society meetings went online and although they’re now back meeting in person they’re also providing a zoom link to the meetings as people joined during covid who didn’t live nearby but still wanted to be part of it.

Join U3A. There will be a history group - if not start one. They all run differently but our’s works by each person researching a topic and giving a presentation. We also have a local history society which runs monthly lectures not just on local history. This month is on Stanford Raffles. Last month was on Hats. They also arrange visits and outings. We went to Windsor Castle in August.

@Washaday i usually only read murders , aliens etc type of books. But I make the exception for anything st Mary’s related or anything Jodi Taylor writes actually. Currently re reading the time police books for the new one out in a few days.

I have learnt a lot about history from her books and laughed the whole way through. I recommend them to everyone I can. So so good.

Volunteer with a local museum or National Trust/English Heritage place. Depending on the organisation, they might need tour guides, people to do cataloguing and caring for items, greeting customers or showing schools around - there's quite a range of things on offer.

Ah I wrote a big reply then it disappeared cause the page had expired. How frustrating.

Anyway, I'd recommend reading the areas of history you're interested in. That's fun in itself 😊 you can the both note down the areas of interests and plan trips there, whether proper holidays or day trips. Historical sites / battlefields / castles / cities. I studied history to masters level and just love visiting any historical sites and having the background knowledge makes it far more interesting. I'm not religious but there's something about visiting really old churches I find fascinating!

How do you get involved with archaeological digs?

wargaming and political gaming in its many forms

I enjoy visiting historical sirs and have English Heritage membership (when I can).

Museums are an obvious choice as well. You may be able to volunteer and get to see what happens behind the scenes.

Have a 'historical' meal, eating the same foods from your favourite historical period.

I came in to say this. Its clearly the only sensible answer.

Some great suggestions on this thread.

A good place to begin can be to research the history of your local area in a through-the-ages sort of way. This might then spark your interest in particular periods of history, subjects (i.e. 'the history of ...') or events to research in a broader way and you'll then find related activities spring up naturally.

A friend of my Dad took early retirement. He has taken some adult education classes in History and a degree, he is doing a Masters now. He also write a History Article for our local Newspaper on local History and give History Walks in the area during the summer both in the local area and nearby City.

I started off with National Trust/National Trust for Scotland working holidays, Earthwatch, and small ads pinned up on the notice board at my university. Once I’d started I asked the archaeologists on the digs what opportunities they knew of, and soon got myself on various mailing lists or just came to hear on the grapevine of digs needing diggers. Once you’ve got a bit of experience, and if you’ll work for free, you’re a useful resource.

It was all twenty years ago though. Things may have changed. I do remember cold calling people, like “Hey, I heard you’re excavating woolly mammoths in Oxfordshire; can I come?”