Public History as the New Citizen Science of the Past (PHACS)

This FNR ATTRACT project (2020-2026) develops public history and participatory models for interpreting and communicating the past beyond academia.

The project at a glance

Start date:

01 Jun 2020
Duration in months:

72
Funding:

FNR
Principal Investigator(s):

Thomas Cauvin

About

Public History as the New Citizen Science of the Past (PHACS) focuses on the production of history with a public perspective. Public history has developed as one of the most dynamic international fields of the historical discipline. Led by Prof. Thomas Cauvin, the PHACS’ team proposes, develops, constructs, and evaluates innovative participatory public history frameworks to engage and empower groups, associations, and users in critical debates on the contemporary history of Luxembourg and Europe. PHACS is inspired by the evolution of digital participatory sciences; the project facilitates interactions between academics, cultural institutions, groups, associations, and the general public to contribute to a democratisation not only of access but also of the production of history.
In order to make public history the new citizen science of the past, PHACS is working on 5 main areas with multiple partners in Europe.
• Public History and Participation in Museums
• Participatory Urban Projects: Public History in Esch-sur-Alzette
• Rethinking Shared Authority and Coproduction in Public History
• A History of Public Historical Practices in Europe
• Developing European Networks of Public History Courses, Programmes, and Training
With the goal to make public history the new citizen science of the past, Cauvin’s team works with multiple partners to support new history courses in universities so that students can communicate, share and use history in and with the public. As an expert in international public history training, Cauvin also coordinates online public history workshops with European partners and offer the first Summer University on European Digital Public History.

Public History & Outreach