HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Heritage

We have promoted the ‘Marconi Brand’ as the right image for a successful city, with a history of innovation like Chelmsford. We were at the forefront of the campaign to keep the ‘Chelmsford Birthplace of Radio’ on the city signs.

Pam Swaby, Chris Neale and Ros Webb organised our flagship events in 2016 and 2017. These were the Marconi Building the Wireless Age exhibition and talks programme, held in the original Marconi Factory In Hall Street; and the Titanic Honour and Glory Exhibition in Bond Street. In both cases it was good to have so many volunteers to help out: including John Lewis staff in Bond Street.

The City Council commissions the Society to organise and run Chelmsford’s Heritage Open Days Event and it is growing fast. Last year, over 3,400 people visited 37 sites over the ten days of the event.

A central concern has been securing the restoration of the Heritage Triangle: the Anne Knight Building opposite the station, the Marconi 1912 offices in New Street and Shire Hall.

Heritage Open Days 2025

2025's Heritage Open Days are confirmed to take place between 12th September and 21st September 2025 and the theme will be revealed soon! Please visit the Heritage Open Days website www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk to view all of the events.

Chelmsford Remembers

We were awarded £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for our Chelmsford Remembers project on the First World War. This was supported by the High Chelmer Shopping Centre and also involved a collaboration with the Essex Record Office.

Our Somme100FILM event in 2016 involved a showing of the 1916 film, while listening to original music played by the Cambridge Concert Orchestra. Laura Rossi, the composer was present and addressed the audience in the cathedral.