HA Annual Awards Evening – a night to celebrate
Once a year the Historical Association (HA) holds an awards evening to celebrate some of the incredible people who give their time to support the History community. That support may be through individual endeavour, community activity, educational excellence, the sharing of academic expertise or raising awareness and enthusiasm for our subject.
Young Quills awards
Starting off the night were the Young Quills for Historical Fiction. The awards are for the best children’s and young people’s historical fiction published the previous year. With the shortlist created from the reviews by young people in schools across the country these book awards truly represent the best and most appreciated new books representing history to young people in an exciting and engaging way. A number of the authors were there to accept their awards, presented by the HA judge Paula Kitching.
Quality Mark and Chartered Teacher of History
Next up were the education awards, recognising the schools who have achieved Gold and Silver status in the HA’s Quality Mark programme for the year. Education Manager Mel Jones announced the 25 schools that received Gold and the 17 that received Silver. There were also 9 Gold and 3 Silver Quality Mark renewals. Mel also highlighted our Chartered Teacher programme.
- Quality Mark: Primary
- Quality Mark: Secondary
- Chartered Teacher: Primary
- Chartered Teacher: Secondary
Finally, Mel reminded everyone that with a change in Government it is even more important than ever that teachers take part in the surveys that we run:
Honorary Fellowships
Next, Rebecca Sullivan introduced those who have been awarded Honorary Followships this year. An Honorary Fellow is someone who has given their time and energies to support the HA and/or its output and membership. This year they ranged from HA branch loyalists, through dedicated educationalists to academics who have always supported our educational and branch programmes.
The Medlicott Medal
The ending highlight of the evening is always the presentation of the Medlicott Medal for History. This Medal is awarded to individuals for outstanding services and current contributions to history.
HA President Alexandra Walsham introduced this year’s recipient Catherine Hall, who is Emerita Professor of Modern British Social and Cultural History at University College London.
Professor Hall has a long-established academic record in feminist history and empire and post-colonial history. She was a professor of history at UCL during a key development period and was the principal director of two key research projects that led to the creation of the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slave-ownership, also at UCL. The outcome of those projects and of the centre was the creation of a database that was the culmination of a huge research project which enabled anyone of any background, race or identity to explore their own personal connections to the slave societies of the Caribbean.
It is customary to accept the Medlicott Medal and deliver a talk. Professor Hall chose to speak on ‘Thinking Reparatively About Public History’, addressing some of the issues of the legacies of racism created by the transatlantic slave trade and the narratives of its abolition. She also raised questions about what reparations might look like, and what forms a sense of justice and understanding could take.
It was a powerful and provocative talk that stayed in everyone’s minds as they relaxed and chatted once the formal part of the evening was finished.
Yet another wonderful evening of celebration of the HA and its work.This year we are opening to all our membership the opportunity to nominate someone to receive the 2025 Medlicott Medal. If you think there is someone who really ought to be recognised then visit our Medlicott Medal page and then contact us at enquiries@history.org.uk.