History and Archives in Practice, 2: Online Panel, 27 April 2023

Panel Discussion

12.45-2.00pm BST, Thursday 27 April 2023, Online 

Watch the recording of this event

 

In this online panel, we continue the conversation begun at History and Archives in Practice (29 March 2023, #HAP23) — a one-day, in-person meeting of historians and archivists, jointly organised by the Royal Historical Society, Institute of Historical Research and The National Archives.

History and Archives in Practice is an opportunity for archivists and historians to discuss how they’re working collaboratively. On 29 March, we heard from 14 projects from across the UK, about which you can read more here.

In preparing for #HAP23 we also invited 5 additional projects to create short video presentations about their work and experience of how historians and archivists work best together.

On Thursday 27 April, we’ll continue the conversation with an extra session of #HAP23 featuring the presenters and projects described in these videos.


Projects and video presentations featured in this event


History and Archives in Practice showcases exceptional projects and offers guidance on the opportunities, challenges and responses to working collaboratively. At the event, and via the videos, we’ll explore intersections between history, archives, collections and research, and reflect on shared practice across and between disciplines.

Topics considered include: Designing a project: how are historians and archivists using collections to shape programmes of research and engagement? New ways of engaging with archives: insights into contemporary collecting practices and their use in historical research; Working with diverse collections and sensitive histories; Promoting and accessing collections; Working with or building research communities; and advocating for history to demonstrate the value of  the past.

On 27 April, our video presenters will discuss the content, purpose and practice of their archival collaborations, between one another and with you the audience. We hope you’ll join us to continue the conversation on good practice, begun on 29 March. To do so, please watch the videos before joining the discussion on 27 April.


Speakers at the event

  • Sarah Aitchison, Head of Special Collections, University College London, and co-presenter Archives and Paper Trails.
  • Andrew Smith, Director of Liberal Arts, Queen Mary University of London, and co-presenter Archives and Paper Trails.
  • Michelle Crowther, Learning and Research Librarian, and Co-Lead Kent Maps Online, Canterbury Christ Church University, presenter Kent Maps Online.
  • Helen Newall, Professor of Theatre Praxis, Edge Hill University, and presenter A Story of the Great War. Will Bradshaw’s Journal. Joining Helen will be Edge Hill colleagues Alyson Brown (Professor of History) and Dan Copley (Archivist) who are working to connect archives with research, including Helen’s, at the university.
  • Nick Evans, Senior Lecturer in Diaspora History, University of Hull, and presenter Co-creating Heritage – Challenging perceptions of Sierra Leone.
  • Holly Brewer, Professor of American Cultural and Intellectual History, University of Maryland, and presenter Slavery, Law & Power.
  • Claire Langhamer, Director of the Institute of Historical Research and Professor of History at the University of London (chair)

Watch the recording of this event

 

More on the Royal Historical Society’s events programme, 2023 >