Welcome
The Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past researches how narratives of the past function in our society and how identities are constructed in the present, using the past.
Founded to promote partnerships between the University and museums, galleries, heritage and media organisations, the Institute draws together researchers, practitioners and audiences.
Dr Geoff Cubitt
Director 2015-6, 2017-20
Study with us
Our MA in Public History gives you the chance to get industry experience promoting history to a public audience. This could be a museum, historic house, archive, period reconstruction, or TV, film or web production company.
Student internships
Part-time internships for postgraduates at the University of York. An opportunity to develop your skills, experience and CV.
Posted on Friday 12 January 2018
A Joint Conference of the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past, University of York and the Institute of Contemporary History, Czech Academy of Sciences, September 3-4, 2018.
Posted on Friday 12 January 2018
Do you love Horrible Histories? Then join us for a lively, funny and informative event with Horrible Histories TV series Chief History Nerd, Greg Jenner.
Posted on Tuesday 11 April 2017
This one-day conference taking place on Friday 14th July 2017 aims to open up discussion on the nature of memory and identity construction online and in digital formats, and explore issues concerning the use of these digital memories as a resource for scholars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IFbxFyZEdaU
Researching how the Great War is being remembered in Yorkshire during the centenary.
Developing a new website to host a wealth of information on Richard III's connections with the north.
Explaining how and why racism in Jamaica was suppressed in national narratives.
A 3-5 year project which will critically assess the various heritage values that apply to York's historic environment.
Resources
Download one of our free audio tours of York: