Booking now open for Research Network:
The Public History of Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine
(PHoSTEM)
A joint enterprise of the Science Museum, London; Institute for the
Public Understanding of the Past, University of York; and the Centre for
the History and Philosophy of Science, University of Leeds, funded under
the AHRC science in culture emerging theme.

The popularity of historical leisure pursuits today is significant.
Surveys show that more than 50% British adults express interest in
learning more about family history. Television history programmes often
have two million viewers, and historical magazines have monthly
circulations of 80,000. This research network will explore the potential
of this phenomenon for museums of science and technology to produce new
kinds of historical exhibitions and events that display and interpret
their historical collections more effectively. Simultaneously, it will
look at the potential of these museums for successful history of science
knowledge exchange from universities.

Attendance at all workshops is free of charge, but registration is
mandatory. Please e-mail
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
to reserve a place.


Workshop 1 (The Walker Suite, National Railway Museum, York) 7 December
2012, 11:00-19:15:
Cultural change, material culture and public history
Three panels: On grass roots lay historical activity; on the experience
of engaging with scientific heritage; and prospects & challenges for lay
engagement in history. Speakers include: Ludmilla Jordanova (Kings
College London), Mike Wilson (University College Falmouth), Hazel
Edwards (Discovery Museum, Newcastle).


Workshop 2 (Brotherton Room, Brotherton Library, University of Leeds)
18th Jan 2013: 10:00 to 17:30
University engagement with museums and audiences
Three sessions explore: how historians of science and technology study
audiences; approaches to audiences from media studies and museums; and
case studies of historians of science working with museums. Speakers
include: Jon Topham (HPS, University of Leeds), John Corner
(Communication Studies, University of Leeds) and Iwan Rhys Morus
(University of Aberystwyth).


Workshop 3 (Science Museum Dana Centre, London): 12th April 2013: 10:00
Is science a special case in museology?
Sessions, building on the discussions at the previous meetings, will
discuss: whether science and technology museums are intrinsically
different from other kinds of museums; will compare whether science
television differs from other kinds of programming; and report on
various strands of co-production between lay groups and museums.


Further details now online at
http://sciencemuseum.org.uk/about_us/research/workshops.aspx

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