LETTERS written by a County Durham man who emigrated to America almost 200 years ago will be explored in a hands-on history session.

Following a successful series of family history courses entitled Branching Out, the Durham County Record Office is offering a deeper look into its archive collections.

The Graham Letters: from Weardale to New York session will uncover the letters of Joseph Graham who emigrated to America from Weardale, in 1852.

County archivist Liz Bregazzi said: “These letters shed fascinating light on life both in Weardale and in America, with his family quilt also held in Killhope Museum.”

After the talk, historians and those interested will have an hour to browse and use the Record Office’s research facilities with support from an archivist.

The session will be held at Durham County Record Office on Thursday, September 20, from 10am to noon and 6pm to 8pm.

Tickets are £10 and must be booked in advance.

For more information or to book visit the website durhamrecordoffice.org.uk or call 03000- 267 626.