Qatar National Library (QNL) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) convened a two-day conference on October 19-20 to examine the evolving role of public history in the Middle East. The event brought together academics, researchers, and cultural practitioners worldwide to discuss the narratives, voices, and historical accounts that shape the region’s collective memory.
The conference emphasized a shift in historical documentation paradigms, moving away from a focus on official and institutional records toward centering the “human subject.” This approach prioritizes individual records, family archives, and community narratives, aiming to engage the public through museums, cultural organizations, and media in creating a more inclusive and diverse historical record.
Maryam Al-Mutawa, Head of Collection Access at Qatar National Library, highlighted the importance of recognizing that history extends beyond official state archives, encompassing personal archives, oral traditions, and shared community experiences. She described the conference as a crucial step toward preserving and amplifying the diverse voices of the Middle East for future generations.
Dr. Akram Khater, Director of the Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies at North Carolina State University, described the gathering as a landmark event for public history in the region. He noted that QNL’s pioneering efforts in cultural heritage preservation and fostering intellectual spaces align closely with the Khayrallah Center’s initiatives around archives, digital projects, exhibitions, and collaborations that explore Arab migration and diaspora histories.
The conference’s first day focused on foundational issues, including the complexities of digital public history, archival practices, and digital networking. Participants discussed the transition in museum curatorship from predominantly state-led narratives to those embracing private and community collections. Panels also addressed community engagement and oral traditions, highlighting voices historically marginalized in mainstream historical accounts.
On the second day, discussions shifted toward the theme “People, Spaces, and Living Heritage.” Presenters explored urban memory and the experiences of marginalized communities within changing social and physical landscapes, including those affected by post-conflict dynamics. The dialogue also covered strategies for integrating cultural heritage and historic landscapes into contemporary education systems.
Following the main conference, interactive workshops were conducted to further explore themes related to public history, historical documentation, and community heritage. These workshops were organized in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South at Northwestern University in Qatar, the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History, and the Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies.