History and Archives in Practice (HAP) is an annual partnership event, co-hosted by the Royal Historical Society, The National Archives, and the Institute of Historical Research. Now in its fifth year, HAP brings together historians and archivists to consider shared interests in archive collections, their interpretation and use.
Central to HAP is a focus on archival and research ‘practice’: creating opportunities to demonstrate and discuss how we work with historical collections, and what historians and archivists can achieve collectively.
For History and Archives in Practice 2027 (HAP27), we invite participants to reflect on the value of collections, archival practice and historical inquiry in connecting past to future.
We are particularly interested in how collections, researchers and practitioners can work purposefully — through engagement, collaboration and innovation — to generate meaningful impact and contribute to more informed, inclusive and sustainable futures.
After meeting in Sheffield in Spring 2026, HAP27 returns to London (Senate House, University of London) on Wednesday 28 April 2027
Submit a proposal
We now invite submissions from prospective participants (title and 300-word abstract) by 11:45pm BST on Friday 16 October 2026.
Please submit your proposal here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HAP27-CfP
HAP27 aims to explore, but is not limited to, some of the following topics:
- Advocacy and the value of history: In what ways are we demonstrating the importance and value of our work, training, and collections, in our institutions, our sectors, and in broader society? How can we work across sectors and disciplines to advocate for the importance of history within/on society, while navigating financial restrictions and change within institutions and regions?
- Applied History and social impact: In what ways are archives and historical research having real-world impact and affecting meaningful change beyond our institutions? How can historical knowledge, methods, and perspectives be applied to contemporary challenges in public policy, education, culture, and civic life? What opportunities exist for historians, heritage professionals, and graduates to contribute more directly to decision-making, future planning, and public debate?
- Embracing technologies as enabling tools: How are historians and archivists approaching emerging technologies critically and creatively? How can we embrace technologies as enabling tools to support deeper inquiries, to enrich our interpretations and open up our collections in meaningful ways?
- Meaningful collaborations, co-creation and co-production: How are meaningful partnerships and initiatives with audiences, communities and stakeholders shaping more inclusive and impactful approaches to history and collections? In what ways are universities, archives, and the practitioners within each, connecting with people and projects outside of their institutions and within their region?
- Purposeful practice and engaged research: What constitutes ‘impactful’ engagement in different contexts? How are practitioners and engagement professionals critically and creatively leveraging collections to generate meaningful impact? How are archival collections and historical research actively contributing to furthering social cohesion, civic participation, and a shared sense of place and belonging?
- Sustainable futures: When considering the future of historical research and collections, what responsibilities do practitioners have in embedding sustainability into their work, be it environmental, organisational, financial and/or sectoral? How do we articulate the social and economic value of historical research and collections, ensuring they are recognised not only as cultural assets but also as contributors to community wellbeing, education, innovation, and economic growth?
As with previous HAP events, we approach our theme by profiling and debating projects and ideas which embrace novel approaches to historical research and archival practice, and the potential to affect positive change.
In doing so, we seek to offer attendees examples of practice, and lessons from practitioners from which we can all benefit, showcasing projects delivered by – and in partnership with – archivists, historians, practitioners and communities.
HAP27 is particularly keen to highlight and support smaller organisations, underrepresented collections and marginalised voices as well as new and emerging research.
For further information about History and Practice, 2027, please also see The National Archives website.
HEADER IMAGE: The National Archives, Art and Science Artist Walter Hoyle, Post Office Savings Bank Publicity, 1935–1985. Catalogue reference: NSC 61/49
