The Ever Present Past: How public history informs the present

In today's world, history seems ever present. Whether through mass media, anniversaries, politics, digital representations or museums, the past is forever influencing and informing the modern world.

Only recently we have seen the impact of notions of historical national identity being used throughout the world in political campaigns, most notably in Donald Trump's slogan, 'make America great again'. As academics it is therefore important that we explore and understand the role the past plays in modern societies, particularly how the past is used in the present and how the public engage with the past. As a result we may also consider the role of academics in shaping the portrayal of history.

This conference invites speakers and attendees to consider the influence of Public History, and their own role, in shaping the ever present past.