The Local History Society organises regular lectures on a variety of topics. Talks are not only about Barnet, but also about wider interests.
- Talks are held at St John's Parish Church (Wood Street, EN5 4BW)
- Talks begin at 3pm and are approximately 45 minutes long
- Talks are £2 or free to members of Barnet Museum and Local History Society
Video archive
Please enjoy these videos created by the Museum community.
Gresham History lectures
All the Gresham history lectures are hybrid (online/ in person) and also available to watch on replay.
You can sign up using the website links below.
Three Crises of Capitalism: The Great Depression to the Present (Economic History) by Professor Martin Daunton, gres.hm/three-crises starts 9/11/2021
Three major crises of capitalism have affected large parts of the world over the last 100 years: the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Oil Shock of the 1970s, and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Each crisis both undid and remade the economy and many of the fundamental assumptions about the way politics and society should work. Today, the shock of COVID-19 - also covered in the last lecture - is doing the same. What will the world that emerges look like?
How Not to be Human: Exploring Humanity Through Science Fiction Professor Jim Endersby (History of Science/ Philosophy) gres.hm/science-fiction starts 27/10/2021
This series will focus on the ways in which writers and film-makers have explored the question of what it means to be human in science fiction, by contrasting an imagined human nature with women, apes, machines and aliens–all of which have been imagined at various times as “non human”. Questions of race, gender, reason and emotion will be woven through all four lectures, to illustrate some of the rich and varied ways in which fictions based in science have imagined what (if anything) constitutes “human nature”.
The Misrule of Law Thomas Grant QC (classified as a law series, but covers legal history from Galileo to segregation in the US) gres.hm/misrule-law starts 22/11/21
"What is the “rule of law”? The idea is of a fair and independent judiciary such that every person enjoys equal treatment under them and equal access to them. Anybody living in Britain now would be likely to say that that idea is an obvious precondition to a civilised society and the minimum they expect from their own society. The rule of law is treated as part of the natural order of things rather than something which has had to be strived for: however little we actively think about the rule of law in our daily lives it is a given in our decision-making and our sense of our relationship with the state. But the rule of law is a fragile concept, which has been arrived at after centuries of historical struggle, requiring constant nurturing and protection. In this series of three lectures I will show how the rule of law can be subverted, and the law abused, to further the aims of privileged elites.
The Death of Richard III: CSI Meets History
Professor Sarah Hainsworth
1pm, 21 October 2021, Barnard's Inn Hall/ online/ watch later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/richard-III-bones
The skeleton of King Richard III was discovered beneath a Leicester car park in 2012. Modern forensic techniques were used to analyse the injuries to the skull, rib and pelvis. The talk will discuss what computed and micro-computed tomography reveal about the injuries that were inflicted on him, and his probable cause of death; and how well the findings align with the historical record.
You can read more about Professor Sarah Hainsworth here.
The Manuscripts and Intellectual Legacy of Timbuktu
Robin Walker
6pm, Thursday 28 October 2021
Museum of London/ Online/ Watch Later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/timbuktu-manuscripts
The Malian city of Timbuktu is one of the world's oldest seats of learning and has an intellectual legacy of hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, coming from three great West African desert empires: Ancient Ghana, medieval Mali, and the Songhai Empire. These manuscripts offer a unique window into their history. Many remain unread. This lecture will look at how their study can be used to advance our knowledge of the intellectual history of the premodern world.
Portraits, Biographies and Public History
Professor Ludmilla Jordanova
6pm, Tues 2 Nov Museum of London/ Online/ Watch Later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/portraits-biographies
Read more about Gresham College and our free public lectures since 1597.
Immense curiosity exists about the lives of people who lived in the past. Portraits and biographies play a major role in bringing the dead to life, but they may mislead and distort as much as they illuminate. Using writings about nineteenth-century British figures alongside images of them, Professor Ludmilla Jordanova will explore the intertwined roles of biography and portraiture in public history, suggesting ways in which it is possible to be constructively critical of current practices.
Holocaust History Under Siege
Professor Jan Grabowski
6pm, Weds 1 7 Nov Museum of London Online/ Watch Later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/holocaust-history
For the second Annual Alfred Wiener Holocaust Memorial Lecture, Professor Jan Grabowski will discuss how scholars of the Holocaust find themselves confronted with the hostile reactions of various states pursuing the policies of Holocaust distortion. This situation has acquired particular importance and urgency in Poland, where the authorities have introduced a series of measures intended to freeze academic debate, hinder independent research and intimidate scholars whose writings are perceived as opposed to the official, state-approved historical narrative.
This lecture is presented in partnership with the Holocaust and Genocide Research Partnership between The Wiener Holocaust Library and the Holocaust Research Institute, Royal Holloway.
And some individual lectures on
The Death of Richard II: CSI Meets History by Professor Sarah Hainsworth, 1pm, Thurs 21 Oct 2021 (or watch later) gres.hm/richard-iii-bones
Europe's Search for Sustainable Security by Professor Patricia Clavin, 6pm, Mon 1 Nov 2021 (or watch later) gres.hm/europes-security
Portraits, Biographies and Public History by Professor Ludmilla Jordanova, 6pm, Tues 2 Nov 2021 (or watch later) gres.hm/portraits-biographies
Brexit: What Have We Learned So Far? Professor Anand Menon, 6pm, Weds 26 Jan 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/brexit-learned
Oxford's Savilian Professors of Geometry: 400 Years On (History of Maths) Professor Robin Wilson, 6pm, Tues 3 May 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/savilian-professors
Bernini and the Remaking of Rome, by Dr Loyd Grossman, 6pm, Tues 10 May 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/bernini-rome
Inigo Jones and the Architecture of Necessity by Dr Simon Thurley our Provost 6pm, Tues 14 June 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/inigo-jones
You can sign up using the website links below.
Three Crises of Capitalism: The Great Depression to the Present (Economic History) by Professor Martin Daunton, gres.hm/three-crises starts 9/11/2021
Three major crises of capitalism have affected large parts of the world over the last 100 years: the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Oil Shock of the 1970s, and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Each crisis both undid and remade the economy and many of the fundamental assumptions about the way politics and society should work. Today, the shock of COVID-19 - also covered in the last lecture - is doing the same. What will the world that emerges look like?
How Not to be Human: Exploring Humanity Through Science Fiction Professor Jim Endersby (History of Science/ Philosophy) gres.hm/science-fiction starts 27/10/2021
This series will focus on the ways in which writers and film-makers have explored the question of what it means to be human in science fiction, by contrasting an imagined human nature with women, apes, machines and aliens–all of which have been imagined at various times as “non human”. Questions of race, gender, reason and emotion will be woven through all four lectures, to illustrate some of the rich and varied ways in which fictions based in science have imagined what (if anything) constitutes “human nature”.
The Misrule of Law Thomas Grant QC (classified as a law series, but covers legal history from Galileo to segregation in the US) gres.hm/misrule-law starts 22/11/21
"What is the “rule of law”? The idea is of a fair and independent judiciary such that every person enjoys equal treatment under them and equal access to them. Anybody living in Britain now would be likely to say that that idea is an obvious precondition to a civilised society and the minimum they expect from their own society. The rule of law is treated as part of the natural order of things rather than something which has had to be strived for: however little we actively think about the rule of law in our daily lives it is a given in our decision-making and our sense of our relationship with the state. But the rule of law is a fragile concept, which has been arrived at after centuries of historical struggle, requiring constant nurturing and protection. In this series of three lectures I will show how the rule of law can be subverted, and the law abused, to further the aims of privileged elites.
The Death of Richard III: CSI Meets History
Professor Sarah Hainsworth
1pm, 21 October 2021, Barnard's Inn Hall/ online/ watch later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/richard-III-bones
The skeleton of King Richard III was discovered beneath a Leicester car park in 2012. Modern forensic techniques were used to analyse the injuries to the skull, rib and pelvis. The talk will discuss what computed and micro-computed tomography reveal about the injuries that were inflicted on him, and his probable cause of death; and how well the findings align with the historical record.
You can read more about Professor Sarah Hainsworth here.
The Manuscripts and Intellectual Legacy of Timbuktu
Robin Walker
6pm, Thursday 28 October 2021
Museum of London/ Online/ Watch Later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/timbuktu-manuscripts
The Malian city of Timbuktu is one of the world's oldest seats of learning and has an intellectual legacy of hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, coming from three great West African desert empires: Ancient Ghana, medieval Mali, and the Songhai Empire. These manuscripts offer a unique window into their history. Many remain unread. This lecture will look at how their study can be used to advance our knowledge of the intellectual history of the premodern world.
Portraits, Biographies and Public History
Professor Ludmilla Jordanova
6pm, Tues 2 Nov Museum of London/ Online/ Watch Later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/portraits-biographies
Read more about Gresham College and our free public lectures since 1597.
Immense curiosity exists about the lives of people who lived in the past. Portraits and biographies play a major role in bringing the dead to life, but they may mislead and distort as much as they illuminate. Using writings about nineteenth-century British figures alongside images of them, Professor Ludmilla Jordanova will explore the intertwined roles of biography and portraiture in public history, suggesting ways in which it is possible to be constructively critical of current practices.
Holocaust History Under Siege
Professor Jan Grabowski
6pm, Weds 1 7 Nov Museum of London Online/ Watch Later
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/holocaust-history
For the second Annual Alfred Wiener Holocaust Memorial Lecture, Professor Jan Grabowski will discuss how scholars of the Holocaust find themselves confronted with the hostile reactions of various states pursuing the policies of Holocaust distortion. This situation has acquired particular importance and urgency in Poland, where the authorities have introduced a series of measures intended to freeze academic debate, hinder independent research and intimidate scholars whose writings are perceived as opposed to the official, state-approved historical narrative.
This lecture is presented in partnership with the Holocaust and Genocide Research Partnership between The Wiener Holocaust Library and the Holocaust Research Institute, Royal Holloway.
And some individual lectures on
The Death of Richard II: CSI Meets History by Professor Sarah Hainsworth, 1pm, Thurs 21 Oct 2021 (or watch later) gres.hm/richard-iii-bones
Europe's Search for Sustainable Security by Professor Patricia Clavin, 6pm, Mon 1 Nov 2021 (or watch later) gres.hm/europes-security
Portraits, Biographies and Public History by Professor Ludmilla Jordanova, 6pm, Tues 2 Nov 2021 (or watch later) gres.hm/portraits-biographies
Brexit: What Have We Learned So Far? Professor Anand Menon, 6pm, Weds 26 Jan 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/brexit-learned
Oxford's Savilian Professors of Geometry: 400 Years On (History of Maths) Professor Robin Wilson, 6pm, Tues 3 May 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/savilian-professors
Bernini and the Remaking of Rome, by Dr Loyd Grossman, 6pm, Tues 10 May 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/bernini-rome
Inigo Jones and the Architecture of Necessity by Dr Simon Thurley our Provost 6pm, Tues 14 June 2022 (or watch later) gres.hm/inigo-jones
The British Records Association series of webinars
British Records Association News Release
News Release: 24 February 2021 Information Alert in a post-truth age
There is a crisis of misinformation in our ‘post-truth world’ and it has led to growing cynicism and distrust of all information. This has raised concerns around the use and preservation of the public record and the danger that trustworthy sources of communication will be overlooked or underused. The British Records Association has therefore joined forces with the Institute of Historical Research to deliver The Shock of the Record: Archives and Truth, a series of webinars discussing the vital role of records as a source of evidence.
The webinars start on 18 March and can be booked through the Institute of Historical Records website Shock of the Record: Why Archives Matter.
‘Are you uneasy about the reliability of what you are reading and hearing? Do you want to find out more? Do you know that archives may exist to help you? Information held in public and private archives may provide the evidence you need to understand more about the major issues of today’ says Julia Sheppard, Chair of the British Records Association’s Archives Advocacy Group.
The first webinar, Why Archives Matter, sees historian Professor Sir Richard Evans, the Archivist of the United States David Ferriero, and journalist and politician Daniel Finkelstein, discuss the vital role of archives as a trusted source of evidence. Alice Prochaska of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission and Oxford University, and Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and author of an Official History of the BBC, will co-chair the session, which will be moderated by Professor Jane Winters of the School of Advanced Study, University of London.
On 17 June the second webinar, Evidence Under Attack, will examine just who creates records and why with Dr Andrew Flinn, University College London’s Director of the Archives and Records Management MA programme, Laura Millar, independent consultant and scholar in records, archives, and information management, and Anthea Seles, Secretary General of the International Council on Archives. The Bodleian Library’s Richard Ovenden will chair and Professor Jo Fox, Dean of the School of Advanced Study, will moderate.
On 11 November the third webinar, Truth and Trust, will look at untruth, particularly in oppressive regimes. Susan Stuart, formerly of the University of Glasgow, will address the distinction between both. Stanley Griffin of the University of the West Indies will talk about truth in colonial archives and in oral cultures such as Rastafari. Iyra Buenrostro-Cabbab from the University of the Philippines will discuss issues of truth in oppressive regimes and the use of photographs and listening to illuminate the experiences of political prisoners.
Three more insightful webinars are planned for 2022.
They will be delivered on Zoom and are free to attend but must be booked via the Institute of Historical Research's website The Shock of the Record: Archives and Truth.
Notes to editors
The British Records Association
Founded in 1932, The British Records Association (BRA) is a charity which aims to promote the preservation, understanding, accessibility and study of our recorded heritage for the public benefit.
Institute of Historical Research
Founded in 1921, The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) is one of nine institutes that comprise the University of London's School of Advanced Study. The IHR is dedicated to training the next generation of historians, and to producing and facilitating ambitious, innovative historical research.
IHR Partnership Seminars
IHR Partnership Seminars address new areas of research and approaches to the past. Partnership Seminars are collaborative, interdisciplinary, cross-sectional, global, and online. Seminars are hosted by leading international scholars and provide opportunities to hear cutting-edge research by historians.
Twitter @ShockOfRecord
Amanda Engineer
Hon Secretary
British Records Association
News Release: 24 February 2021 Information Alert in a post-truth age
There is a crisis of misinformation in our ‘post-truth world’ and it has led to growing cynicism and distrust of all information. This has raised concerns around the use and preservation of the public record and the danger that trustworthy sources of communication will be overlooked or underused. The British Records Association has therefore joined forces with the Institute of Historical Research to deliver The Shock of the Record: Archives and Truth, a series of webinars discussing the vital role of records as a source of evidence.
The webinars start on 18 March and can be booked through the Institute of Historical Records website Shock of the Record: Why Archives Matter.
‘Are you uneasy about the reliability of what you are reading and hearing? Do you want to find out more? Do you know that archives may exist to help you? Information held in public and private archives may provide the evidence you need to understand more about the major issues of today’ says Julia Sheppard, Chair of the British Records Association’s Archives Advocacy Group.
The first webinar, Why Archives Matter, sees historian Professor Sir Richard Evans, the Archivist of the United States David Ferriero, and journalist and politician Daniel Finkelstein, discuss the vital role of archives as a trusted source of evidence. Alice Prochaska of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission and Oxford University, and Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and author of an Official History of the BBC, will co-chair the session, which will be moderated by Professor Jane Winters of the School of Advanced Study, University of London.
On 17 June the second webinar, Evidence Under Attack, will examine just who creates records and why with Dr Andrew Flinn, University College London’s Director of the Archives and Records Management MA programme, Laura Millar, independent consultant and scholar in records, archives, and information management, and Anthea Seles, Secretary General of the International Council on Archives. The Bodleian Library’s Richard Ovenden will chair and Professor Jo Fox, Dean of the School of Advanced Study, will moderate.
On 11 November the third webinar, Truth and Trust, will look at untruth, particularly in oppressive regimes. Susan Stuart, formerly of the University of Glasgow, will address the distinction between both. Stanley Griffin of the University of the West Indies will talk about truth in colonial archives and in oral cultures such as Rastafari. Iyra Buenrostro-Cabbab from the University of the Philippines will discuss issues of truth in oppressive regimes and the use of photographs and listening to illuminate the experiences of political prisoners.
Three more insightful webinars are planned for 2022.
They will be delivered on Zoom and are free to attend but must be booked via the Institute of Historical Research's website The Shock of the Record: Archives and Truth.
Notes to editors
The British Records Association
Founded in 1932, The British Records Association (BRA) is a charity which aims to promote the preservation, understanding, accessibility and study of our recorded heritage for the public benefit.
Institute of Historical Research
Founded in 1921, The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) is one of nine institutes that comprise the University of London's School of Advanced Study. The IHR is dedicated to training the next generation of historians, and to producing and facilitating ambitious, innovative historical research.
IHR Partnership Seminars
IHR Partnership Seminars address new areas of research and approaches to the past. Partnership Seminars are collaborative, interdisciplinary, cross-sectional, global, and online. Seminars are hosted by leading international scholars and provide opportunities to hear cutting-edge research by historians.
Twitter @ShockOfRecord
Amanda Engineer
Hon Secretary
British Records Association