IPSWICH THINGS TO DO

Ipswich Trail Makers – Digital Blue Plaque Trail

Old Custom House, Ipswich

Information - Ipswich Trail Makers – Digital Blue Plaque Trail

Heritage Open Days 2026

A Digital Blue Plaque Trail, made possible by a collaborative project working with primary Schools and the Ipswich Society’s Heritage Blue Plaques of Ipswich.

Ipswich Society is partnering with Wolsey 550/Sizewell Creative on the ‘Ipswich Trail Makers’ project for Heritage Open Days 2026, creating a digital trail of selected Blue Plaques in Ipswich.

Working with primary schools across Ipswich, the project introduces children to stories of individuals commemorated with a Blue Plaque. Supported by a teacher resource pack focused on historical research and understanding significance, each participating school has selected one recipient to explore. Using archive material and guided enquiry, pupils investigated their figure before producing a digital character to represent them. These characters now form part of a new public heritage trail launching for all Friday 11th September 2026. Come and join the Trail for HOD 2026!

Pupils have also learnt about the Ipswich Society Blue Plaque nomination process — considering who might deserve recognition in the future. One school has taken up the challenge of proposing a blue plaque for engineer Edward Caley, who was given sole responsibility for constructing Ipswich Wet Dock, which would become the largest enclosed dock in Britain at the time.

The Trail provides a way for children and young people to connect with place — giving access to histories they may not otherwise encounter.
Through discovery, heritage and forward-facing digital storytelling, the project deepens understanding of their town, celebrates the community, and helps build pride in Ipswich and its future

Launches 11th September and free every day thereafter!