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History and Archives in Practice 2026: Call for Participation

‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research’

University of Sheffield, Thursday 16 April 2026

Archives are both shaped by and shape the communities and societies in which they exist and serve. For History and Archives in Practice 2026 (HAP26), we’re exploring the relationship between collections, researchers, practice and locality to consider how archives have the potential to challenge the status quo and initiate change through collaboration and co-production.

With HAP26 we will consider the opportunities, experiences and challenges that occur when working at the intersections of history and archives.

As with previous History and Archives in Practice events, we approach our theme by profiling and debating projects that address archives’ capacity and potential to affect change. In doing so, we seek to offer attendees examples of practice, and the lessons from practitioners, from which we can all benefit. We want to showcase recent and current projects and examples in which archivists and historians effect positive change for a defined community or region. For HAP26 in particular, we will be drawing on the experiences of our partner, the University of Sheffield Library, as well as other archival collections and projects in the region.

HAP26 aims to explore, but is not limited to, some of the following topics:

  • Building relationships: between archives and researchers, and archives and regions: how are projects aimed at regional and social change designed and developed; how are partnerships defined and formed; how do we ensure that partnerships are equitable and what can those planning such work learn from the experience of others?
  • Archives, citizenship and the civic good: how do we define, and communicate, the public benefit and public good of archivists’ and historians’ shared use of collections? How do we navigate existing and arising tensions, as well as structural and institutional barriers, when working together? And how can our experiences in a professional context shape and change our practice?
  • From collaboration to co-production: what might the transition from collaboration to co-production look like; how are archivists, researchers and organisations working with communities and partners to ensure that co-creation can begin at the earliest stages? And how do we navigate differences in approach or potential conflicting priorities along the way?
  • How are archival projects seeking social change developed and carried through: what experience can current and recent collaborative projects offer us on the fulfilment of work which seeks measurable social and sector-wide change; what are the relationships and environments most conducive to effective regional impact?
  • Campaigning and social change from the archive: in what ways can archival collections, and their interpretation, inform present-day debates and campaigns; what can others learn from campaign-focused uses of archives; and how are historians and archivists, working together, engaging with policy discussions?
  • Assessing, evaluating and measuring change: what are the measures by which we assess the extent and effectiveness of our work; what—based on experience—are the pitfalls of which to be aware; and how is successful change made sustainable?
  • Archives and impact beyond the local and regional: in what ways can archives affect change beyond regions and address topics of wider societal and national concern?

HAP26 is particularly keen to highlight and support smaller organisations, underrepresented collections, and marginalised voices as well as new and emerging research.

Full Call for Participation and information about participant bursaries can be viewed at: https://www.history.ac.uk/news-events/events/call-participation-history-archives-practice-2026

Deadline: Friday 31 October (11:45pm)

If you have any questions at all, please email: research@nationalarchives.gov.uk
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