Louisa Ryland (1814-1889) was a major Victorian philanthropist and benefactor. Louisa gave quietly and often anonymously, and it is estimated she donated, in today’s equivalent, well over 20 million pounds to Birmingham during her lifetime. Her generosity is commemorated with a blue plaque in Cannon Hill Park. This talk will look at her life and […]

Hosted by Aston University The Birmingham Civic Society invite you to join us for breakfast and to hear from Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward. Councillor Ward will be giving us insights about the emerging legacy of the Commonwealth Games after the Games showcased Birmingham to the world. Focusing on how the Games […]

On Tuesday 28th February we will be unveiling two blue plaques, commemorating the work of George Dawson and Sam: Timmins. George Dawson (1821-1876) was a nonconformist preacher, lecturer and activist with an influential voice in the calls for political and social reform in 19th century Birmingham.  He became a widely celebrated lecturer, promoting the "Civic Gospel" and […]

The Birmingham Civic Society invite you to the public meeting being held regarding the proposals to redevelop the site of the Smallbrook Ringway site. This meeting is in collaboration with the C20 Society, Brutiful Birmingham, and Midland Modernists. We look forward to a neutral well informed debate. Click here to see The Birmingham Civic Society […]

Born in 1893, Bertha Bracey was brought up in Bournville where her father worked at the Cadbury chocolate factory. She became a Quaker in 1911 and spent the rest of her life engaging in humanitarian aid including, perhaps most notably, her instrumental role in persuading the British government to accept the 10,000 refugee children of […]

We would like to welcome members and non members alike to our AGM on Thursday 23rd March. The AGM is an opportunity to hear about the fantastic work the society has been doing over the last year and the forum in which the election of Trustees of the Society by full members of the Society […]

Like most places, Birmingham’s history has traditionally focussed on the achievements of notable men. Join us on a guided tour of the city centre to discover the stories and achievements of the many women who contributed to the history of the city. Suffragettes, abolitionists, factory workers, academics, trade unionists, philanthropists, artists, politicians, and educators; many […]

The Birmingham Civic Society invites you to attend the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to Theresa Stewart on Friday 2nd June 2023, at 2pm. Theresa Stewart was the first female leader of Birmingham City Council, a pioneer for women’s equality and women’s representation and Councillor for Billesley Ward for 31 years.  After the plaque has […]

Discover the often untold stories of the trailblazing women who led the way for change and have shaped Bournville and Birmingham into the areas we know today. We will shine a light on the stories of women like philanthropist Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, artist Mary Sargent Florence and trade unionist Julia Varley. Join India Wilson on […]

Join historian Chris Rice for a stroll around Digbeth exploring some of the city's less familiar historic sights. The tour will trace the medieval origins of the city and its development during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The route includes Digbeth High Street, the Kennedy Memorial and the Custard Factory, the Old Crown Inn, […]

The Birmingham Civic Society invites you to attend the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to Emma Barton on Thursday 14th March 2024, at 10am. Emma Barton was a pioneering portrait photographer who came from a working class Birmingham background.  Beginning in the mid 1890s using simple equipment and often in her own home and featuring her […]