Highgate and its adjacent communities are blessed with a proliferance of well-established and dedicated local societies.
As well as Camden Local Studies Centre and local bookshops, these groups are an excellent starting place for anyone interested in digging deeper into the history of the area, and meeting people with similar hobbies. They are also actively concerned with monitoring planning applications and preserving the unique appearance of Highgate’s natural and man-made environment, and welcome support from residents who share this commitment.
The Highgate Society was started 40 years ago and aims to keep Highgate a wonderful place to live and work; to ensure that any changes made in the environment enhance the amenity of the area, & to encourage sound planning and to improve public transport. With three boroughs adjoining Highgate, everyone’s opinion counts and they’d love to have yours. They have plenty of activities and groups to join, but if you are pressed for time you can be just a member, read their newsletter ‘Buzz’ and perhaps enjoy their Summer Festival Fair in the Square or Carols in December. Like the HLSI the Highgate Society is based at 10a South Grove, known locally as “10a”.
The Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution has been central to Highgate’s varied cultural life since its inception in 1839. One of the oldest such institutions still in existence in London, they are situated in the heart of Highgate Village, overlooking Pond Square, in the building to which they moved in 1840. The HL&SI offers new ideas, fascinating books, stimulating films and great company. There’s a local archive on Highgate, a library for borrowing, research and browsing, including a well-stocked children’s section, a members’ room for reading and a wide range of courses for adults. There are also lectures, films, art exhibitions, musical occasions, science discussions, events and trips to the theatre.
The Hornsey Historical Society has produced many publications documenting the history of Hornsey, has been active in campaigning for the recognition and conservation of our heritage of buildings and open spaces. and is represented on the local Conservation Area Advisory Committees. It supports the work of the Friends of Hornsey Church Tower and other local conservation groups, and maintains close links with Bruce Castle Museum, and local history societies. The Society organises a regular programme of talks, visits and educational and other events. Whether you are new to the area, have lived here all your life, or have moved away but want to keep in touch, you will find the Hornsey Historical Society of interest.
Camden History Society has over 350 members. It aims to research and describe the history of institutions, houses, people and social movements within what is now the London Borough of Camden, which includes the old boroughs of Hampstead, St Pancras and Holborn and the districts of Highgate, Kentish Town & Camden Town. The Society has a monthly programme of talks held in different parts of the Borough. Outings are arranged in the summer. Members are encouraged to undertake and publish research themselves, and help and advice are available for beginners. The Society has an active publishing arm, with more than 70 publications to its credit since 1970.