BELvue museum:Activities
EUMAPH Conference
BELvue Museum
12 November 2026
9:30-17:00
UCL Louvain Saint Louis
13 November 2026
9:00-17:00
Registration is required
EUMAPH Conference 2026 - Public History and Societal Demands
On 12 and 13 November 2026, Brussels will host the annual conference of the European Network of Masters in Public History (EUMAPH). Over two days, researchers, lecturers, students and heritage professionals from across Europe will come together to explore a central question: how can public history respond to today's societal challenges?
Under the theme "Public History and Social Demands", the conference will examine the growing role of history in helping society understand contemporary issues. As historical perspectives are increasingly used to address present-day concerns, so too is the need for historians who can make historical knowledge accessible to wider audiences.
Through lectures, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities, participants will explore how public historians engage with pressing social questions and how history can be made accessible, relevant and meaningful for diverse audiences.
The EUMAPH Conference is organised in collaboration with KU Leuven, Université de Liège, UCLouvain, Universiteit Gent, Université Libre de Bruxelles and BELvue.
12/11 – At BELvue
The first day of the conference will take place at the BELvue Museum. The programme will focus on the teaching and practice of public history in Belgium. Universities, students and professionals will discuss the development of the field, the role of public history within and beyond academia, and the expectations of the heritage and cultural sectors.
Programme
09:30 | Welcome
10:00 | Introduction
10:15 | Roundtable: Teaching Public History in Belgium
- Chair: Wannes Devos (BELvue)
- Speakers: Fien Danniau (Ghent University), Sophie Richelle (University of Liège), Stéphanie Gonçalves (ULB / House of European History), Geneviève Warland (UCLouvain), Kaat Wils (KU Leuven)
- Perspectives: Marie Palmers (European University Institute), Wannes Devos (BELvue)
12:00 | Lunch
13:00 | Walking Expo featuring student projects
14:00 | Interactive museum workshops
17:00 | End of programme
13/11 – At UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles
The second day will focus on key contemporary themes and challenges in public history. Through a series of panels, participants will explore how historians address sensitive histories, postcolonial issues, digital developments and innovative ways of sharing historical knowledge with the public.
Programme
09:00 | Welcome
09:30 | Panel 1: Contested, Forgotten and Marginalised Histories
11:00 | Coffee Break
11:30 | Panel 2: Postcolonial Issues in Public History
13:00 | Lunch
14:00 | Panel 3: Digital Challenges
15:30 | Coffee Break
16:00 | Panel 4: Public History Through Diverse Media and Formats
17:00 | Closing Reflections
Practical Information
- 12–13 November 2026
- BELvue Museum and UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles
- Language: the conference brings together participants from different European countries; presentations will take place in multiple languages.
- Intended for students, researchers, educators, heritage professionals and anyone interested in the social role of history.
- Participation is free, but registration is required.