Research Network Theory of History – Lecture Dr. Marijke Huisman (UU): ‘Engagement, Activism & Professionalism in History’
Moderator: prof. dr. Herman Paul (LU)
Date and time: Friday 17 October 2025, 15.00-17.00 hrs. followed by drinks.
Location: Belle van Zuylenzaal, Academiegebouw Universiteit Utrecht (Domplein 29, Utrecht)
‘Public engagement’ and ‘impact’ have been academic buzzwords for a while now, and historians too are stimulated towards ‘outreach’. In practice, this is much easier said than done. Based on her experiences with three types of ‘public history’, Marijke Huisman will discuss some recurring issues in the messy sphere between academia and society, from the value of money and historical expertise to the organization of a dialogue between different stakeholders and the use of meta-historical perspectives in dealing with sensitive topics.
Marijke Huisman is assistant professor Public History at Utrecht University. She will discuss her experiences with a community-based research project on the history of feminist and queer bookshop Savannah Bay (2019), a commissioned research for book distribution company Centraal Boekhuis (2021), and her current project with publisher Atlas Contact to write an ‘inclusive’ queer history of the Netherlands.
Register by email: [email protected]