Great War Study Day Event

We will be holding a one-day cultural event on Saturday 8 November 2014 consisting of a series of short talks led by experts from the university. This thought-provoking and inspiring conference will offer you the opportunity to learn and engage in discussion about the Great War and the commemoration of conflict more generally.

The First World War was 'the war to end all wars' but its commemoration goes on. This study day will reflect on the role of commemoration in shaping our individual and collective responses to war and conflict. How and why have wars been represented and remembered over the years? What role do specific anniversaries play? Although a major focus of the day will be the First World War, speakers will also draw on other examples to place this conflict in broader historical contexts. Speakers will assess the ways in which people have commemorated war, from public statues, memorials and films to diaries, documents and other personal accounts. There will also be an opportunity for participants to have a guided tour of the special exhibition in the University's Hartley Library.

Speakers and topics will include:
Joan Tumblety (History), 'War and memory in modern France'
Mark Cornwall (History), 'The divided memory of the Great War in Eastern Europe'
John McAleer (History), 'War, memory and Britishness'
Karen Robson (Head of Archives): Tour of special exhibition, Hartley Library