This talk explores Notable Women with a Rotherham Connection, a book funded and produced by the Rotherham District Civic Society to address a clear imbalance in how our local history is publicly recognised. When the Society reviewed Rotherham’s Blue Plaques, they found that very few commemorated women, despite the many who shaped the town’s social, cultural and civic life.

The book – and this talk – brings those overlooked stories to the fore. It is rooted in the passionate local research by figures such as Kathleen Cronk, a dedicated history teacher, and Pauline Quail, a tireless contributor to local history societies, whose work helped champion women’s histories long before they were widely acknowledged.

Alongside these stories, the talk situates the project within the wider work of the Rotherham District Civic Society, who champion the protection and reuse of places of architectural and historic significance while amplifying local voices on development and environmental issues. Following a major museum exhibition celebrating Rotherham’s importance in industry, sport and manufacturing, this talk turns the spotlight onto the women whose contributions also deserve to be remembered, recognised and celebrated.

This talk will follow a tour of three blue plaques dedicated to women in Rotherham which starts at 11am from the Visitors Centre.