The New Historians Conference is an annual conference hosted at Te Herenga Waka / Victoria University of Wellington, by and for postgraduate students.
This year, the New Historians Conference considers the theme of ‘performing history’, broadly understood. We are especially interested in papers which address one or more of the following topics:
The histories of performance (including but not limited to theatre, oration, public spectacle, and the arts). The role of rituals, propaganda, religion, and/or status symbols in society. The history of performing gender or cultural roles. Histories of self-presentation and/or identity. The very craft of ‘performing’ or ‘doing’ history and constructing historical narratives Memory studies and public history.
Though we are especially interested in papers addressing the topics above, we welcome papers related to all areas of historical inquiry, all historical periods and geographical areas. Even if you feel that your presentation doesn’t fit the theme, please apply anyway!
The NHC committee invite presentations from a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to History, Classics, Political Science, International Relations, Education, Art History, Theatre, Film and Media Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Literature, and Māori and Pacific Studies.
The conference is open to postgraduate students in Oceania at Hons, MA and PhD level, including those within 24 months of completion of their last degree.
There will be a modest registration fee of $40. There will also be a conference dinner on Friday 29 August, to be paid for separately.
To apply, send an abstract of 200-250 words along with a short biographical note and contact details to newhistorians@vuw.ac.nz.
Please join the Facebook Group for regular updates:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/601766501564352
Submissions close on: Friday 11 July 2025
Conference dates: 29-30 August 2025 (Friday-Saturday)
Venue: Kelburn Campus, Victoria University of Wellington
Inquiries: newhistorians@vuw.ac.nz