Peter Greenaway speaking at the 2017 Plymouth Festival of Words

From world history to art, culture and science, our all-year round talks programme offers you the opportunity to engage with world-renowned specialists and researchers, who are providing new insight and perspectives into contemporary culture, society and history.

Is a genius born or made? Where did the idea of 'the artist' originate? What is the impact of the Cold War on British culture? What was the experience of war actually like?

The Historical Association

The Historical Association is a national charity supporting the study and enjoyment of history. The Plymouth branch has linked up with the history department of the University to deliver a joint programme of talks within The Arts Institute public programme.

Across the season a number of invited guests give insightful talks to audiences who share an interest in the past and of history in all forms.

Talks at Peninsula Arts

Watch past talks

Catch up on previous online talks from the Historical Association Plymouth branch and University of Plymouth history department below.

  • Pestilential hotbeds of vice - cinema management and morality in Britain, c. 1900-1950, 9 February 2021
  • The long march to modernity: from ‘Three Inch Golden Lotus’ to working mom, 2 March 2021
  • The human costs of the British Civil Wars, 9 March 2021
  • The Transatlantic Politics of the Mayflower II, 16 March 2021
  • The enigmatic John Marshall: Founder of Plymouth emigration depot, Baltic Wharf, 11 May 2021
  • The archaeological complex at Calstock,18 May 2021

The House