Holding History is a student-driven public humanities program focused on the history of media and book arts.

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Since 2015, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Holding History has introduced intergenerational audiences to book objects, historical media, and special collections archives. 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.

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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

  • Papermaking on Library Mall
    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.
    More Info
  • HH Student Reunion on the Terrace
    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.
    More Info
  • Holding History Keynote Event in Special Collections
    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.
    More Info
In-Person Events - Returning Soon
Instagram @uwHoldingHistory