Reflecting on Rewind’s Pathways to the Past: Making Local History Accessible
History isn’t just found in archives – it lives in the stories, places, and people around us.
On 11 October 2025, student-led history platform Rewind hosted Pathways to the Past: Stories from Coventry and Warwickshire, a public showcase and discussion event at the Chapter House Cinema in Coventry, supported by Warwick Institute of Engagement. The event celebrated the outcomes of Rewind’s first major project, Pathways to the Past, and brought together students, staff, and members of the local community to reflect on how creative storytelling can make local heritage more accessible.
The aim of the event was to share the project’s outcomes, connect students and the public, and build meaningful links between Rewind and the wider community. Supported by Warwick Institute of Engagement, Pathways to the Past explores how history can be told through multiple forms – print, film, and digital media – to reach diverse audiences.
The showcase attracted attendees of all ages and backgrounds. Guests received free copies of Rewind’s first publication, featuring twenty-two articles written entirely by University of Warwick students on the theme of local history. During the event, two student researchers, Issy and George, delivered short talks about their work, sharing insights into the process of uncovering and interpreting Warwickshire’s past. One of Rewind’s magazine designers, Olivia, spoke about the creative process behind the publication’s visual identity, while the project’s co-lead, Harry, introduced the documentary, discussed the process of making it, and highlighted future opportunities to work with the local community. Rewind’s founder and director, Jakob, closed the segment with reflections on the importance of public engagement, student-led storytelling, and the need for spaces that connect people through history.
The discussion segment proved to be one of the highlights of the evening. Participants shared ideas and reflections on a wide range of topics – from family history and local landmarks to new opportunities for collaboration beyond the event. The level of engagement was remarkable, with attendees contributing personal stories, suggesting future themes, and getting in touch with the team afterwards to discuss ideas, including the upcoming 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz.
Along with the event, Rewind released its Pathways to the Past publication online in PDF format, alongside a documentary filmed across sites such as Warwick Castle, St Mary’s Guildhall, and the Lord Leycester Hospital. The film captures the diversity of Warwickshire’s past and the creative ways students are bringing it to life. Both are the result of months of student research, creative work, and interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to capture the richness of Coventry and Warwickshire’s history.
Looking ahead, Rewind plans to build on the success of Pathways to the Past by grounding future long-form audiovisual projects in the local area. The team also hopes to collaborate with local heritage organisations and community historians on future storytelling projects rooted in Coventry and Warwickshire. By continuing to bridge the gap between academic study and community storytelling, Rewind hopes to demonstrate how history – when shared creatively – can inspire connection, curiosity, and pride in place.