In collaboration with the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past (IPUP), and following our highly successful events in 2022 and 2023, the University of York is hosting our third Public History postgraduate student conference. The Public History Grad Con is an opportunity for postgraduate students (Masters and PhD), early career researchers, and career practitioners to discuss current issues in the Public History field. The Conference this year will be held on 13 September 2024. 

The theme of the convention this year is History Makers for the Future. We welcome abstract proposals for 15-minute presentations and/or research posters that explore an aspect of Public History in line with the theme. They may be based on ongoing research, essays, dissertations, or placements. 

This year we would also love to have proposals that push the form of a traditional research presentation: one that is more creative, performance-based, or interactive. This could be readings from narrative work (that have a tie to public history), artistic performances, or other presentations that have a tie to the theme, but challenge traditional forms that research presentations at conferences typically adhere to.  

Example proposals may include, but are not limited to, original research, case studies or experience reflections. These could be themed along a range of topics surrounding the heritage sector, history in the media, memory and commemoration, and ethics and values within the field, etc. 

For 15-minute presentation proposals please submit a 250-word abstract.

For poster proposals please submit a 150-word abstract.

If there is another format of submission you would like to present or perform, please reach out to our email for details on how to submit.

All proposals should be accompanied by a brief speaker biography of no more than 100 words. 

You are welcome to propose more than one abstract if you have multiple topics you are enthusiastic to present. However, you will only be able to present a single presentation or poster which will be selected by the organising committee.

All abstracts are due by 5pm on 22nd April 2024. Please email your proposals or questions to hist585@york.ac.uk.

Speakers will be notified in early May and the programme will be released by the beginning of June. 

Keep an eye on our social media and website for updates and helpful workshops leading up to the date of the conference!