Education, Research
Call for submissions: The fifth edition of the national Historians’ Days will take place in Leiden
The History Days are coming to Leiden for their anniversary edition! The History Days in Leiden on 27, 28 and 29 August 2026 bring together everyone who works with the past professionally: teachers, students, employees of archives, museums and other heritage institutions, independent entrepreneurs, researchers and other (art) history professionals.
Theme: What does the future of the discipline of history actually look like?
The field of history faces major challenges. The digitisation of sources, research methods and education is radically changing the way we study and teach the past. In times of polarisation, the climate crisis, geopolitical shifts and attacks on the rule of law and academic freedom, there remains an enormous need for people who can interpret contemporary developments from a historical perspective.
At the same time, voices are emerging from politics and society that question the raison d'être of history and undermine the value of historical knowledge (and science in general). Budget cuts threaten the survival of the discipline and the sectors of which it is a part.
The Royal Netherlands Historical Society and Leiden University invite everyone involved in history to contribute their ideas about the Future of History.
Submit your proposal
Share your expertise, projects and ideas with other historians and history enthusiasts in Leiden by submitting your proposal before 31 January 2026. Young historians are particularly encouraged to apply. Proposals featuring speakers from different backgrounds, ages, genders and organisations will be given preference. Submissions can only be made via the website www.historicidagen.nl. Proposals sent by email will not be considered.
Go to the History Days website