In June 2023 the Petersfield Area Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary. This important milestone is to be commemorated with a series of special events. 

In March, the Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery launched a display featuring documents, objects and photographs chosen to represent the Society’s contribution to the recording, preservation and study of the town’s rich history. The PAHS was part of the driving force behind the establishment of the Museum and provided the core of its collections.

During the summer half-term holiday (27 May–3 June), a free family treasure hunt has been organised, featuring twenty-five local buildings and businesses in the town centre. The competition aims to raise awareness of our heritage amongst our younger residents, while giving them the opportunity to win prizes donated by local organisations.

In July, during the Festival of Archaeology fortnight (14–31 July), PAHS is combining forces with Liss Archaeology to hold the Petersfield Big Dig. This event will include archaeological investigations of two key areas: the Spain and the Avenue Playing Fields. The public will be welcome to attend and it is planned to run children’s activities based on an archaeological theme. The Big Dig will also include the digging of test pits in selected private gardens. Displays and talks relating to the excavations are to follow later in the year.

An illustrated PAHS Jubilee book will be on sale this summer. As well as covering fifty years of PAHS activities, it also includes details of members who helped shape the Society and an overview of Petersfield in 1973 and 2023.