Claire Langhamer, Director of the Institute of Historical Research, highlights the value of History Day.
History Day is one of the standout events of the IHR’s year because it so clearly showcases the value of history-making and the dynamism of the history-sector. History Day provides the opportunity to explore diverse collections together in a single space. It allows us to do so in the company of those who work with collections and those who work on them – and of course there are many who do both of these things at the same time. History Day brings together expertise and curiosity to create new knowledge and understanding. Above all, History Day demonstrates the myriad ways in which thinking together with the past can be as joyful as it is instructive.
At its heart History Day is a striking manifestation of the fluid and capacious conversations that are ongoing amongst researchers, collections professionals and the generally ‘history curious’. Attendees can explore collections from a wide range of exhibitors including libraries, archives, historical societies, museums, and galleries. Existing relationships are deepened and new dialogue is initiated. Our festival format provides the space for unexpected encounters and transformative discoveries. I would also add that exhibitors often excel in providing creative, useful and desirable merchandise!
We are particularly pleased to be welcoming the Queer History and Heritage Trail into History Day 2025. There is a rich and ever-expanding body of research into the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the past. Taken together this work shows that sexuality and gender have long been experienced in complex and fluid ways. History Day 2025 offers an opportunity to draw out, and think across, some of the collections that have underpinned key interventions within this field. We hope that this year’s Trail will also suggest new topics and approaches, as well as demonstrating the sheer range of material available to explore both individual lives and collective experiences.
History Day 2025 is on 4 November.