In 2026 the Society launched a new programme — ‘Historical Context’ — which offers historical perspectives on events shaping our world today. This is an occasional series in which specialist historians provide context and insight on pressing events and topics.
The series offers educators, journalists, policy-makers and members of the public an opportunity to learn about the histories that have shaped current headlines, and provides essential historical context to world and domestic events.
‘Historical Context’ shows the value in taking a ‘longer view’ on the present day, giving us the means to understand the origin and complexity of events making the news. It demonstrates the contribution made by specialist historians whose training equips them to set the contemporary world in context.
Delivered online as lunchtime panels, ‘Historical Context’ provides short immersions in topics of importance and interest. Panels are chaired by the Society’s President, Lucy Noakes, and other members of the Society’s Council. All are welcome to attend.
Our next ‘Historical Context’
The next Historical Context in our series (Friday 11 December 2026) considers ‘Brexit: Ten Years On’.
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With panellists Professor Martin Johnes (Swansea), Professor Yasmin Khan (Oxford), Dr Robert Saunders (Queen Mary, University of London), and Iain Quinn (Florida State). Booking is now available.
Also in this series
Previous panels include discussions on:
- With panellists Professor Maziyar Ghiabi (Exeter), Dr Louise Kettle (Nottingham) and Dr Johan Franzén
- With panellists Dr Lise Butler (City St George’s), Professor Rohan McWilliam (Anglia Ruskin) and Professor Emily Robinson (Sussex).
- With panellists Dr Dagomar Degroot (Georgetown), Professor Sadiah Qureshi (Manchester), and Dr Elly Robson Dezateux (Oxford).
Forthcoming sessions in early 2027 include the following, with further details to be shared when booking becomes available.
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‘Historical Context: Child Poverty’ (co-hosted with the Social History Society and Child Poverty Action Group): Thursday 18 February 2027.
- With panellists Dr Heather Ellis (Sheffield), Dr Dave Hitchcock (Canterbury Christ Church), Dr Michael Lambert (Lancaster) and Tom Cave (Head of Policy at the Child Poverty Action Group). Booking for this event will open in the new year
Proposals for ‘Historical Context’ panels in 2027 are welcome: please email [email protected]