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