19/10/2026
Bring History Home with Cornwall Libraries 🌊📚
When we explore Cornwall's heritage, we rightfully look to our mining roots, fishing villages, and maritime towns. But our local archives also contain remarkable global stories that are deeply woven right into our communities:
🎻 In Truro: Joseph Emidy, a talented African violinist, became one of Cornwall’s most celebrated 19th-century musicians and composers.
⚓ In Falmouth: John Alice found sanctuary here in the 1800s, building a life and family within the maritime community.
📜 In Penryn: Parish archives record the everyday lives of Black residents like Maria Weymouth dating back centuries.
Learning about our past is about discovering the complete, rich picture of where we live.
This black history month, we are highlighting three beautifully illustrated children's books that trace the long, diverse history of Britain:
📖 Black and British: An Illustrated History for Young Readers by David Olusoga
📖 Bright Stars of Black British History by J.T. Williams
📖 Brilliant Black British History by Atinuke
These titles are all available to borrow through Cornwall Libraries. Reserve your copies today through our online catalogue or visit your local library!