A conference organized by the History Department, Swansea University and the Institute of Historical Research, London

This conference develops the debates on ‘the use of history for public purposes and the involvement of the public in the study and consumption of history’ that began with the highly successful Institute of Historical Research Conference in February 2006.

Proposals are sought for individual papers (20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions) and panels (three 20 minute papers and 30 minute discussion time). Abstracts (up to 200 words) should be sent by email to Martin Johnes (m.johnes@swan.ac.uk) before 30 November 2006. The final programme will be published in December 2006.

Themes of the conference will include:
• the concept of public history and its methods
• the presentation of history in the media and the heritage sector
• telling national stories
• the investigation, preservation and presentation of historic environments and artefacts
• public and philanthropic investment, interest and involvement in history
• the public, commercial and political uses and exploitation of history
• official history, propaganda and myth-making
• the role and responsibilities of public archives, museums and the heritage sector
• the place of history in the community