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?

Oh shit it was quite a bit more than twenty years ago actually 🤦‍♀️

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/working-holidays

ahh that’s a shame they’ve stopped running under NT.

But doesn’t say how to access the alternatives.

Look at some of the courses on the WEA website, they often have lots of history based courses.

Oh no! That’s really sad. I had some brilliant times, back in the day.

I recommend the OU's history degree part time. You say you don't want the stressful "studying" bit. Thing is if you are doing something you love you won't really be studying a day in your life. Your "studying" will consist mainly of reading history books which you love, no? And the lectures that you say you don't mind. If it's still the same the OU tends to do smaller group tutorials anyway. Good luck whatever you decide I think there's absolutely loads you could fill your time with x

Re-enactment!

I can recommend a Tudor one if you’re interested…😊

As soon as I read your post I googled it as it sounded interesting.

The link says it’s available through other organisations but not who/ where!

Ans the review was in 2020 so surely they’d realise it’s an anomaly?

I came here to suggest reenactment.

Thanks, -@VenusClapTrap

I'm quite into history and maps. Something I like doing is buying an old map of an area (Alan Godfrey maps are great for this) and then taking a walk and seeing how it's changed.

Gresham college has free online lectures www.gresham.ac.uk

Another vote for Gresham - they have some fascinating stuff.

I'm absolutely boggled at the idea so many people have suggested reenactment. I'd cringe myself inside out if I had to be involved in that, although I'm very glad so many people enjoy it!

I've been researching my family for about a year and it's very interesting. Get your DNA done via Ancestry or MyHeritage. You could then put together a book for your children/relatives about your ancestors.

Another idea. I've read about working holidays where you help to renovate old properties in Europe. They provide food and board. Not sure where you'd find this type of project, but I'm sure they're out there somewhere.

How do you get involved with archaeological digs?

See if there's a County Archaeological Society in your area. Also see if your local university has an archaeological department, or look and see what your county archaeologist's department is doing.

There are often community digs these days, where members of the public have the opportunity to take part in digs. This is one that took place over this summer. (I wasn't involved, I just saw it on the BBC website.) www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-63127584

To the OP - research your local area. If you start with the 19th/early 20th century, there are free resources online to get you going. (I can suggest some if you like - this is my specialist subject!)

If you want to go further, you can subscribe to somewhere like Ancestry or FindMyPast or the British Library's newspaper website, or see if you can access them at your local library. Or visit your county archives/record office.

Local history research can be combined with other interests such as walking or photography, to make it more active.

Thanks @Zosime !