[Discussion] History and the Public

[Sule Tarakcioglu]

Institute of Historical Research Winter Conference:
History and the Public
13-14 February 2006
Location: United Kingdom

The Institute of Historical Research’s Winter Conference on 13-14th
February 2006 will be held at the University of London, United Kingdom. The
conference will investigate the use of history for public purposes and the
involvement of the public in the study and consumption of history. We are
seeking proposals from contributors engaged in all aspects of the subject,
ranging from the curation and presentation of historic artefacts, 
environments
and records to the development and teaching of theories and methods of 
public
history and those who use or promote history for practical, leisure, and 
other
purposes. The aim is to present a long view of this theme, from 
antiquity to the
present day. The conference will focus chiefly on the United Kingdom but 
will
also examine comparative material from different countries and cultures.

Topics might include:

     * the concept of public history and its methods;
     * public and philanthropic investment in history;
     * the investigation, preservation and presentation of historic 
environments,
museum collections and other artefacts ;
     * the mission and responsibilities of public archives;
     * official history, propaganda and myth-making, relating, for 
example, to
institutions, religions, nations and places;
     * public involvement in historical research and the uses made of the
information and skills gained;
     * the exploitation of history, for example in architecture, 
advertising, and
social organisation;
     * history in government policy and party or sectarian politics

We are above all anxious to achieve cross-sector dialogue and therefore 
welcome
both session proposals composed of three speakers and single paper proposals
which we will seek to place within sessions. Papers should be designed 
to be of
approximately 20 minutes duration. Proposals for papers should include a
synopsis of no more than 250 words.

Please send your proposals to Richard Butler, Conference Administrator, 
using
the contact details given.

Richard Butler
Institute of Historical Research
University of London
Senate House, Malet Street,
London WC1H 7HU
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 7862 8779
Fax: +44 (0)20 7862 8745
Email: richard.butler@sas.ac.uk

Visit the website at http://www.history.ac.uk