We are delighted to announce the launch of History and Archives in Practice (HAP2023).
Registration is now open for HAP2023. Visit the Institute of Historical Research’s website to book your place.
About HAP
HAP is the new and rebranded version of the Gerald Aylmer Seminar run in partnership with the Institute of Historical Research and the Royal Historical Society. The Gerald Aylmer Seminar has been hosted annually by these three institutions for nearly 20 years (2002 to 2021).
History and Archives in Practice is an opportunity for archivists and historians to meet to discuss collections and research practices. In this way, it mirrors the aims of the earlier Aylmer Seminar. However, from March 2023 History and Archives in Practice brings a new format and a greater focus on the collections that lie at the heart of our work.
As its name suggests, our new-look event will highlight research practices, and consider these in relation to distinctive collections. To launch History and Archives in Practice, the 2023 event will take place at the Institute of Historical Research in London. The theme will be ‘Collecting Communities: Working together and with collections’.
From 2024, History and Archives in Practice will endeavour to partner with an additional UK archive/institution which likewise specialises in the bringing together of archivists and researchers. Each year we’ll draw on aspects of UK collections and emerging research being undertaken, integrating it into the conference programme. This new format enables a formerly London-based conference to take place at archive centres across the UK.
Join the conversation online using the hashtag #HAP2023 on Twitter.
HAP values
Collaboration and community: A collective endeavour between the Institute of Historical Research, Royal Historical Society and The National Archives, History and Archives in Practice brings together communities of researchers (archivists and historians) to discuss topics of mutual interest, in particular the nature of archival research and the use of historical collections.
Growing practice: This annual event prioritises research practices and encourages innovation and experimentation. It provides a space in which those of all stages and specialisms can share, learn and network, embracing new formats by which we can exchange knowledge while also envisaging unique and varied ways of working with history.
Possibilities: This collaborative event endeavours to highlight the diverse and unique nature of historical research – both demonstrating and creating new possibilities for researchers and practitioners to collaborate, co-produce and consider how we work with history and archives.
You can also learn more about what HAP means to us by watching these videos by Philip Carter, Claire Langhamer and Pip Willcox.
Previous seminar topics:
2021: New Ways to Work – future directions for archival and historical practice (watch the short videos from our speakers here)
2020: Co-production and collaboration in the archives (listen to audio recordings of the 2020 seminar)
2019: Digital and the archive
2018: Diversity among the documents? The representation of BAME communities within the UK’s archives
2017: Strongroom to seminar: archives and teaching in higher education
2016: The Experience of the Archive