Public History, Historians, and the ‘Ownership’ of the First World War Centenary

The History Research Seminar Series meets on Wednesday afternoons during term time to discuss a paper by a visiting historian or a member of our academic staff.

This week's speaker is First World War historian, Dr Chris Kempshall.

What role should academic historians take during national and historic commemorative events? How do historians balance public interests with grassroots engagement? Drawing on his experiences and activities during the  First World War centenary, Dr Chris Kempshall will discuss the different ways that historians can deliver and facilitate public history without erasing or overshadowing the work undertaken by historical groups outside of academia.

Professor Lucy Noakes would welcome reflections on the Centenary of the First World War for her Reflections on the Centenary research project. Did you participate in any events, visit any installations or exhibitions? Did these change your understanding of the war in any way? Please send your thoughts and comments to Lucy via email at l.noakes@essex.ac.uk.