On Tuesday 20 October, the Royal Historical Society’s President, Professor Lucy Noakes, was the guest of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Archives & History at the Houses of Parliament.
Lucy received one of two annual awards given by the Group in recognition of a ‘Lifetime Achievement for Services to Archives and History’. Her fellow recipient was Gary Tuson, county archivist at Norfolk Record Office.
The Archives & History APPG brings together MPs and members of the House of Lords who share an interest in history, historical research, and the archival collections and expertise which make these possible. Lucy was presented with her award by Chris Evans MP, chair of the APPG Archives & History, who praised Lucy’s study of war on everyday lives and her work as President of the Royal Historical Society.
In her acceptance speech, Lucy reminded MPs, peers and guests from UK history and archive organisations, including the RHS, of the current threats facing history education and research in UK universities. These threats mean loss of options for students wishing to study history at university, and loss of careers and expertise as the UK’s HE financial crisis leads to cuts in academic staff and job opportunities.
Lucy also spoke on the cost of these losses not just within education but also for national civic understanding and social cohesion — areas identified as priorities by the present government. She concluded by urging the assembled politicians to better appreciate the risks inherent in the present piecemeal erosion of disciplines, including history, across UK higher education.
Many congratulations to Gary Tuson for recognition of his contribution to archive management and public engagement with historical collections. Thank you also to the Archives & Record Association for hosting Tuesday’s awards ceremony at Westminster and for its wider work in support of the historical record.
Photo credit: Simon O’Connor for the Archives & Records Association.