On Thursday 16 April, the Society was pleased to co-host this year’s ‘History and Archives in Practice’ (HAP) day conference, with partners The National Archives, Institute of Historical Research and — for 2026 — University of Sheffield Library.
HAP is an annual gathering of historians and archivists to discuss collaborative projects and research. This year’s event took as its theme ‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research’ and took place at Frith Hall, University Sheffield.
Over the day, more than 120 attendees participated in 15 panels, workshops, displays and tours by 40 historians and archivists. Participants represented 30 archives, museums and universities from across the UK which highlighted current projects in which historians and archivists collaborate to effect social change.
You can read more about History and Archives in Practice, 2026 here.
On the day after HAP26, the government published its ‘Vision for Archives in England’ which speaks of ‘the integral role of archives at the heart of society’, and archives’ (and archivists’) role in supporting social justice, community, civic identity and democracy. The participants at HAP26 spoke powerfully and eloquently to this theme, and we hope their projects and good practice are recognised.
We will be continuing the discussion on ‘Shaping Societies, Improving Live’ with a series of online lunchtime panels in the summer. Further details of these will be announced shortly.
HEADER IMAGE: Society President Professor Lucy Noakes and Councillor Dr Jesús Sanjurjo attend History and Archives in Practice 2026.