Place-based histories beyond the academy

Place-based histories are increasingly important in the context of the levelling-up agenda and community history priorities. Speakers in this session will be historians engaging in rigorous place-based research in range of organisations beyond the higher education sector. They will reflect on the challenges of doing, managing and facilitating place-based histories outside the academy and making place-based histories relevant to public audiences. Together speakers will reflect on the importance of conducting place-based research with and/or for local communities. 

Louise Ryland-Epton is a freelance historian and editor. A contributing editor to VCH Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, she is an associate fellow of the Institute of Historical Research, and a visiting fellow at the University of the West of England and the Open University, where she gained her PhD.

Will Wyeth is a Properties Historian at English Heritage and is a specialist in medieval castles. His current work explores new ways of telling the stories of castles, with an emphasis on both community and under-represented narratives.

Chris Harris DL and Dani Dolan are directors of Halifax Heritage Tours, a community interest company, which was formed three years ago. This group of volunteers started by organising Town Hall, walking and bus tours for annual Heritage Open Days. Having witnessed exponential growth of interest in the area following the rejuvenation of the Piece Hall and an outburst of film production, the endless potential to share our passion for the heritage of Halifax with local residents and visitors alike proved irresistible. It led to researching and developing further walks and bus tours, talks, educational and community collaborations year round and being instrumental in heritage networking. We have particularly valued our collaborative work with the Institute for the Public Understanding of History at the University of York throughout. As a grassroots, volunteer CIC we truly believe that focussing on heritage is pivotal for nurturing community wellbeing and civic pride, offering a resilient future for Calderdale economically, creating prospects and aspirations for the next generation, recalling and valuing our heritage to shape everyone’s future. 

This session is co-hosted by the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past (IPUP). IPUP works with museums, archives, heritage sites, the media, artists and community organisations to explore the many ways that the past is presented in society. It asks questions about how the histories that are told impact identities, shape the present, and inform the future. Through collaborations and partnerships, IPUP draws together researchers, students, practitioners and communities to make and research diverse and inclusive public histories. It also runs an MA in Public History in collaboration with the University of York’s Department of History. 

All welcome- this seminar is free to attend, but advance registration is required.