Welcome
The Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past works with museums, archives, heritage sites, the media, artists and community organisations to explore the many ways that the past is presented in society. We ask questions about how the histories we tell impact our identities, shape our present and inform the future.
Through collaborations and partnerships, the Institute draws together researchers, students, practitioners and communities to make and research diverse and inclusive public histories.
Director
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 blogs
Find out about some of the amazing work our students have done during their placement and internship opportunities.
Posted on Friday 20 January 2023
We were incredibly proud to welcome back students of the MA in Public History Class of 22 for their graduation on Thursday 19th January.
Posted on Wednesday 4 January 2023
How has the Second World War been commemorated globally since 1991? How has public perception of and participation in commemorative activity and consumption changed? What strategies have been used to mobilise new technologies and navigate geo-political challenges? What controversies were triggered, narratives adjusted, new formats developed, or new media utilised? These questions, among others, will be discussed at the conference organised by the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past, University of York, and the Chair of Modern and Contemporary History, University of Bonn.
Posted on Thursday 1 December 2022
Dr Sophie Vohra reflects on her participation in the international 'Sharing stories on contested histories' 2022 training programme.
Researching how the Great War is being remembered in Yorkshire during the centenary.
Unveiling the Public Secret: Race in colonial and independent Jamaica
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.
Find out all you need to know about this year's IPUP conference, Commemorating the Second World War in the ‘young 21st century’, in partnership with the Chair of Modern and Contemporary History, University of Bonn.