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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.
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