An inclusive history education

We’re making history personal

because everyone’s history matters

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Our Mission

To normalise inclusive history education by introducing people of all ages to the power of their own stories, their heritage, and other overlooked histories.

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In 2020, 80% of UK educators believed more could be done to celebrate diverse cultures, people, and experiences in UK education.

– Pearson, Diversity and Inclusion in Schools Report

Teaching the power of our untold histories

Ancestors unKnown combines family/community history research with other untold and overlooked histories to deliver an inclusive history education for everyone.

By making history personal and relevant to people from all backgrounds, we promote belonging, confidence, and self-discovery for school children, teachers, families, and professionals.

A teacher delivers an Ancestors unKnown workshop

FOR SCHOOLS: We deliver detailed lesson plans, teacher training, workshops, assemblies, and special programming to help pupils understand the past and their heritage, while they gain confidence about their identities, feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, and better understand their place in the world.

FOR ADULTS: We offer workshops, training, and special events that promote historical knowledge and research, encourage a global perspective, and inspire a sense of belonging and self-discovery for participants from a variety of organizations, including large and small companies, cultural heritage organizations, and universities.

FOR FAMILIES: We offer online workshops and our Family History Toolkit to help families to work together to research, discover, and share their own unique stories.

We’re based in the United Kingdom and working globally

Ancestors unKnown is based in Bristol, England, and operates throughout the UK.

Yet, inclusive history education is needed in all parts of the world. So, we’re not limiting our resources and expertise to one place!

How do we work internationally? Every country has a unique history with a wide range of perspectives and stories to represent. Therefore, we customise our curriculum, school programmes, and workshops to meet the needs and expectations of local audiences.

But we got our start in The Netherlands.

Learn more about our impact from a participant in an Amsterdam primary school…

Interested in partnering with us for an inclusive history education in the Netherlands? Visit our Dutch site here: Ancestors unKnown, Nederland.

For Schools

Introduce students, teachers, and your school’s wider community to the power of family history research and other untold histories. Resources include teacher training, guest lectures, and lesson plans.

students ages 10+

Get the School Programme

For Adults

Workshops, lecture series, and other special events that encourage audiences of all ages to learn, share, and reflect on their personal stories and other untold histories from around the world.

audiences of all ages

Work with Ancestors unKnown

A Snapshot

Students say…

83%
Students are more curious about their family history after participating in Ancestors unKnown

Teachers say…

100%
Teachers strongly agree their students benefited from the Ancestors unKnown curriculum

Students say…

77%
Participating students believe their school textbooks don't include enough information about their history and culture
Our Impact
A young person looks at a computer that shows an archived document

  • When you know where you come from, you show your pride to the world.

    Michael Student

  • The workshop was awesome. The information was very helpful, you laid the foundation out well. I can move forward to building my house.

    Brenda B. Workshop participant

  • I love how the [Ancestors] curriculum gives my students a sense of purpose and the ability to make global connections to their learning.

    Ms. Johnson Teacher, R.B. Stall High School (N. Charleston, S.C.)

  • I think it's more important to find out where we came from, so we can tell our future children about our ancestors. Our next generation will know where they've come from, and pass it on. This experience is necessary and I hope the next class will benefit from this as well.

    Tamia Student

  • You truly inspired me to learn about my family's history. If we do not know our past we will be like a tree that has forgotten its roots. Thanks again.

    Njeri C. Workshop student (10 years old)

  • It was clearly evident that students and parents alike gleaned so much from your unique workshop that was both interactive and self-reflective. And I have to say that I was pleasantly caught off guard by the powerfully emotional  effect that exploring your family history can have.

    Maria J. MLK Library (Washington, D.C.)

  • Learning about my ancestors is the beginning for me.

    Victoria Student

  • [We were reminded] that we are a people with a past and it is very important to acknowledge and familiarize ourselves with it. Since then I have been inspired to learn more about my ancestors and create stronger bonds with my family members who are living.

    Judy C. Parent

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