Since 2015, Holding History, a public humanities program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has introduced intergenerational audiences to the history of media & book arts. We host an annual slate of collaborative special events & interactive experiences—from hands-on papermaking workshops on campus mall to science-fair-style events in rare book libraries where students invite audiences to turn the pages of centuries-old books.

 

These bookish conversations continue in digital form on our website through The Bookish Blog, HH-produced videos about book history & bookmaking, & the Holding History Podcast.

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Our events & digital content, which seek to connect the history of media to the arts & crafts of bookmaking, are accessible, public-facing opportunities for exploration, interaction, & discovery.

 
Current Digital Projects

  • HH Student Reunion on the Terrace
    Time is TBD
    Location is TBD
    Time is TBD
    Location is TBD
    Spring 2020 ended abruptly, and we're all missing old books, hands-on learning opportunities, and bookish conversations. We're planning to celebrate the chance to come back together once in-person meetings are possible again. Details forthcoming.
  • Holding History Keynote Event in Special Collections
    Time is TBD
    Location is TBD
    Time is TBD
    Location is TBD
    Our Spring 2020 Keynote event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but we are currently planning for future Keynote events. Details forthcoming.
  • Papermaking on Library Mall
    Time is TBD
    Location is TBD
    Time is TBD
    Location is TBD
    Join us for a FREE, drop-in, hands-on papermaking session with master papermaker Robert Possehl and Holding History students. Details TBA, but we are still planning to host this workshop again once in-person sessions are possible.
In-Person Events - Returning Soon