Ipswich Trailmakers

Ipswich Society is delighted to be partnering with Thomas Wolsey 550 and Sizewell Creative on the Ipswich Trail Makers project.

Working with primary schools across Ipswich, the project introduces children to the stories of individuals commemorated with a Blue Plaque. Supported by a teacher resource pack focused on historical research and understanding significance, each participating school will select one recipient to explore in depth.

Using Ipswich Society archive material and guided enquiry, pupils will investigate their chosen figure before scripting and producing a digital character to represent them. Created by the students themselves, these characters will form part of a new public heritage trail launching in early September.

As part of the programme, pupils will also learn about our Blue Plaque nomination process — considering who in their own community might deserve recognition in the future.

The project will culminate during September’s Heritage Open Days with the launch of a town trail featuring eight characters and eight Trail Maker plaques positioned close to the original Blue Plaque locations.

Ipswich Trail Makers hopes to provide a meaningful way for young people to connect with place — deepening their understanding of their town, recognising contributions within their community, and building pride through discovery, shared heritage and forward-facing digital storytelling.

For enquireis about the project, please contact blueplaques@ipswichsociety.org.uk