The First World War Engagement Centres are based in universities and aim to publicise the wide range of different ways in which scholars are now studying the First World War, to help heritage groups to develop their own approaches to the past, and to connect communities with university researchers in order to create new projects that will benefit both.

The centenaries of 1914-18 represent a remarkable opportunity to find out more about the conflict and to encourage a new generation to think about the remembrance of a complex, challenging historical event.

As the HLF’s support of the Peace Pledge Union’s Objecting to War project demonstrates, such commemorations can and should go well beyond the stories of those whose names went onto the local memorial. Much of the war remains underexplored, and partnerships between academic and community researchers enable these vast topics to be opened up.

Each centre specialises in a different aspect of the war, but all five work together to find the best match for the communities they are supporting. More details can be found on the FWW Engagements website.

Upcoming events and activities

A joint roadshow put on by all five centres, Your Community in the First World War, featuring workshops, stalls, speakers, and networking opportunities, will run in Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle respectively between 8th and 10th September 2015. I’m also member of the Gateways Centre, which is based at the University of Kent, which runs its own set of events.

Like the other centres, we advise community heritage groups about the design and management of research projects, performances and exhibitions. Our study days help community researchers develop the skills and experience to conduct their own investigations.  We also run talks, film screenings, workshops and panel discussions designed to open up new perspectives on the war. All our activities are free of charge and open to all.

How to get involved

We are eager to do more, and we welcome contact from anyone who has an idea for a commemorative project at an early stage of its design. All enquiries are welcome, but the Gateways Centre is particularly keen to hear from those who are interested in exploring:

• the representation of the war on stage and cinema screen at the time
• the stories of those who were disabled as a result of working in war industries
• the history of the war beyond the United Kingdom, including the connections between British communities and the war in Eastern and Central Europe and the consequences of the conflict for the imperial home fronts

To get in touch and find out more about the above, please visit the Gateways website.