Decolonising History – Workshop on Contested Histories in Public Spaces

Contested Histories is an IHJR-EuroClio flagship Initiative that studies disputes over statues, street names, and other historical legacies in public spaces with an aim to identify principles, processes and best practices for decision-makers, civil society advocates, and educators confronting the complexities of divisive historical memory.

This workshop will be split into two halves. First, the research behind the project will be introduced before Dr. June Bam-Hutchison showcases the case study of the legacy colonist Cecil Rhodes at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, Dr. Joanna Burch-Brown will speak on community engagement in remembrance. Finally, an interactive session on deconstructing iconography in public spaces will be held by Marie-Louise Jansen, Contested Histories Program Director. Participants are encouraged to come to the session with an example of a contested historical legacy in public spaces in their home country/region.