Annual conference seeks to amplify the ‘Voices of the Marginalised’

Exploring intentional or unintentional bias for marginalised groups within history is the focus of the third annual conference organised by the Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) at the University of Northampton next week.

The Centre for Historical Studies is a lively hub for the discussion of the past and for the dissemination of historical knowledge supported by academics from across the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, including History, Journalism and English.

From Monday 7 to Tuesday 8 July, they will be hosting an array of thought-provoking speakers at UON’s Waterside Campus for two days of positive discussion, debate and deep-dives of historically marginalised pockets of history.

Engaging topics are set to include:

• Caroline Nielsen and Isabelle Lawrence: ‘Challenging Objects: Curating and Representing Disability History in Museums: In Conversation.’
• Akansha Singh: ‘Saints of the Margins: Afghan Women’s Spiritual Legacy and Dissenting Narratives.’
• Charlotte Spalding: ‘The Marginalisation of Female Wellbeing during the Eighteenth Century.’
• Paul Jackson: ‘Art, Emotion and Anti-Fascism.
• William Hatfield: ‘Teaching Victimization: An exploration of victimhood narratives within far-right youth publications in the latter half of the 20th century.’

The conference has been organised by the co-leaders for the CHS, Professor Paul Jackson and Professor Mark Rothery.

Professor Jackson said: “Historians have, as a profession, been quite adept at ignoring certain groups in history, where until very recently whole swathes of people in history, everyone except the elites, were left out of the stories of their past.

“The centre seeks to promote and enhance research and teaching by networking and encouraging links between academics and community organisations, the heritage sector, archives and museums, thereby creating an inclusive and welcoming space.’

“This year’s annual conference offers a springboard to explore the history of marginalised groups and communities from across the globe,” adds Co-Lead Mark Rothery. “This event offers the opportunity for engaging discussion and – hopefully – will lead onto enhanced research partnerships on these underrepresented historical fields.”

The conference programme will kickstart with a keynote speech from Visiting Fellow of the CHS Liam Liburd, of Durham University, who will lift the veil on what ‘marginal’ truly means in modern British history. This will be followed by two days of insightful discussion which explores where historians are, as a profession, in understanding marginality in society and history.

The conference will also include networking opportunities with academics, historians, panel discussions and workshops to bridge research fields.

The 2025 CHS Conference takes place between 9:30am and 5pm on 7 and 8 July and is free for anyone to attend by registering via the online booking form.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the CHS or getting involved with its research are invited to contact Professor Paul Jackson and Professor Mark Rothery via email.