The Movement for the Abolition of War

Peace History Conferences

Peace History Conferences were initiated by the Movement for the Abolition of War. They have taken place annually since 2007 in London, Manchester, or Leeds.

The Conferences have been put on in conjunction with the International Peace Bureau, the Imperial War Museum, Greater Manchester & District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Northern Friends Peace Board, the Working Class History Library and the Peace Museum, Bradford.

Venues have included the Imperial War Museum, London, the People’s History Museum, Manchester, Manchester Friends Meeting House, and Leeds City Museum.

Objectives

  • To contribute to the development of a strong culture of peace by raising awareness about individuals, movements, ideas and initiatives from all periods of history concerned with promoting peace, overcoming violence, and abolishing war.
  • To uncover the hidden history and tradition of peacemaking that is often ignored by standard histories.
  • To bring peace research and academic expertise on a broad range of historical periods and subject matter to a popular audience.
  • To explore ways in which past experience and historical examples may shed light on contemporary peace and conflict issues.
  • To offer enjoyable, lively and varied programmes including speakers, film, drama, music, art and guided walks.
  • To make the conferences as accessible as possible by keeping costs down.
  • ​To organise events in different parts of the UK, drawing in co-sponsorship from other peace-oriented organisations or institutions, independent of political parties, and non-aligned.

More about specific conferences